FC Barcelona take on Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League group stage as their final match. The Belgians will receive a visit from the Catalan giants to close off the premiere European competition’s group phase. For Barcelona, this match is both important and not so crucial simultaneously.
A win here could solidify them as leaders, however, they are already guaranteed as a qualified team. The Round of 16 awaits, but given that this is the one chance Xavi gets to experiment freely, some forgotten faces may reappear.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against Antwerp:
Expected Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
With Marc Andre Ter Stegen expected to be out for a couple of months, Inaki Pena remains a guaranteed starter. The Spaniard has been solid enough in his recent outings, despite the falling apart against Girona. Antwerp, however, will be a chance to return to normality again.
Right-back: Sergi Roberto
After quite some time away due to injury, Sergi Roberto may return to the starting eleven. This would also allow the Barcelona first captain to actually lead his team with the armband this time around. Joao Cancelo could also be afforded some rest as a result of Roberto starting instead.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
The Danish defender was just decent against Girona, but his potential as a player far outshines that. He will likely get another chance against Royal Antwerp, as he remains a consistent pick by Xavi given that Inigo Martinez currently remains injured.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman suffered against Girona, but he needs to show his best levels again. Gone are the days of complacency where Barcelona do not have enough depth to replace underperforming stars. As such, Kounde needs to do better in order to showcase that he still has the quality and ability to retain a top level.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
After losing his place entirely to Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde would want redemption. The 19-year-old La Masia graduate needs to regain the trust of both Xavi and others at Barcelona. Keeping that in mind, the game against Royal Antwerp could be a great trial for the promising youngster.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
Almost a lost figure within the squad of Barcelona, Oriol Romeu has completely lost most of his prominence. Despite rumors linking him already to a move away from Barcelona, it seems that Xavi is willing to at least give him a few opportunities to shine.
CM: Fermin Lopez
The young 20-year-old midfielder is a dynamic weapon within Xavi’s arsenal. However, he has not been given chances recently that would allow him to showcase his talents. Against Royal Antwerp, however, he could hope to produce a performance like he did against Shakhtar Donetsk.
CM: Pedri
A decent enough performance against Girona could have been much better. However, the young Golden Boy winner is gradually coming into his stride. For now, his focus should be on Antwerp and he should get the green light by Xavi to start once again for Barcelona.
Right-winger: Lamine Yamal
After featuring only as a substitute in recent games, Lamine Yamal could get a chance to start. The young 16-year-old continues to dazzle those who lay their eyes on him, and a game against Antwerp could give him another opportunity to shine on the European stage.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker continues to be unimpressive in recent games. While he still is the best Barcelona forward in terms of goals scored, those statistics hardly help his many missed chances. A match against Antwerp could allow him to get his scoring touch back.
Left-winger: Ferran Torres
While Joao Felix is one yellow card away from missing the Round of 16 first leg, Ferran Torres is not. The Spaniard was a breath of fresh air upon his introduction against Girona, managing to provide a key assist to Ilkay Gundogan. This time around, he will hope to have that impact from the start.
