Barcelona will play hosts to Napoli at the Nou Camp on Saturday evening hoping to pick up a win in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie. Both teams had managed to grind out a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Naples, so there is still everything to play for in this weekend’s European showdown at Catalonia.
Quique Setien will probably stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation and might be inclined to start Ansu Fati ahead of Antoine Griezmann on the left flank. Otherwise, we can expect all the usual starters to get the nod in this upcoming encounter versus Gennaro Gattuso’s men.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Napoli
Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will operate in between the sticks for the Catalan giants as he tries to keep things tidy at the back versus the Naples outfit. Clement Lenglet will once again partner Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barca backline as they look to restrict the opposition from scoring this weekend.
Nelson Semedo should be a guaranteed starter at right-back while Jordi Alba hopes to use his pace to make some driving runs as the left-back. Setien will ask both his full-backs to press high up the pitch so that they can create some meaningful openings in the decisive third of the field.
Junior Firpo and Samuel Umtiti will make up the numbers on the bench as they provide cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Setien might opt for a midfield three comprised of Ivan Rakitic, Frenkie De Jong and Sergi Roberto as they try to establish Barca’s dominance at the centre of the park. The talented trio will also be responsible for orchestrating a few promising goal-scoring opportunities for the front players in the opposition half.
Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second half if required.
Attack
Ansu Fati could get a chance to impress as the left-winger while Lionel Messi looks to weave his magic on the right flank. Luis Suarez will once again get the burden to lead the charge for the Catalans down the middle. All three Barca attackers will fancy their chances of getting their names on the scoresheet and making the difference on the day.
Antoine Griezmann will have to settle for a spot on the bench but could be introduced as an impact substitute if Setien decides to call upon his services.
