With their latest victory against Betis in the bag, FC Barcelona now turn their attention towards a competition that has eluded them for several seasons now in terms of success, and it is one where the Catalan giants will be hoping to leave a mark this season.
Taking on last season’s Belgian league champions Royal Antwerp in their opening game of their Champions League group, Barcelona will be raring to go out with a team that Xavi Hernandez will surely assemble with the hopes of getting a strong result within their very first outing in the competition.
Here is how Xavi could have his Barcelona team line up against Antwerp for the UCL group stage Matchday 1.
Expected Line-up
Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper was crucial for Barcelona against Real Betis in ensuring that the Catalan giants came away from the clash with a clean sheet. Now, sizing up Royal Antwerp, the Barca captain will be called into action once again to lead his team from a defensive perspective.
Right-back: Joao Cancelo
If his performance against Betis was any indication of what’s to come, Barcelona fans have much to be excited for when it comes to what Joao Cancelo can bring to this team. More of his inverted capabilities and technical brilliance will be needed against Antwerp.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
There is absolutely no doubt among the coaching staff that Jules Kounde is absolutely key to the Barcelona structure. His defensive leadership, individual skill, awareness, and resilience are all great traits that make him such a reliable defensive unit.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
Having only come on as a substitute against Real Betis, the clash against Antwerp may finally see Martinez start for Barcelona for the very first time. The veteran Spanish defender’s abilities will be there to fully assess for the first time as well.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
Until and unless there is an injury or some other unforeseen reason, Alejandro Balde will remain the undisputed left-back for Barcelona this season and under Xavi Hernandez. His raw ability and blitzing pace will be crucial for Barca against Antwerp as well.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
One of the most used Barcelona players this season under Xavi Hernandez and for good reason. His arrival from Girona has arguably transformed Barca for the better and he essentially provides more freedom to those around him and enables his teammates to be even more improved versions of themselves.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
The Dutchman is one of those stars who has benefitted the most from Romeu’s arrival, and with his defensive duties alleviated by the former Girona midfielder’s influence, Frenkie is now able to progress the ball much more freely and showcase his abilities more significantly.
CM: Gavi
The heart and soul of a young Barcelona side that thrives on its insistence to be relentless. Tenacious, dangerous, and technically gifted all at one, Gavi provides Barcelona a spark of energy and a daring soul on the field to do the dirty work while also being amazing from a creative point of view.
Right-winger: Ferran Torres
With a spectacular freekick scored against Betis, it would not be a surprise to see the in-form Spaniard Ferran Torres make his second start for Barcelona in a row. His pre-existing intelligence has now been coupled with a clinical finishing touch, making the 23-year-old an absolute danger man in front of goal this season thus far.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker recently talked about wishing to play with more forwards up front, and once his wish was granted with the likes of Ferran Torres and Joao Felix accompanying him, Lewandowski absolutely thrived. Scoring, making dangerous runs, and even providing assists, the new system fits the 35-year-old like a glove and could be used again when Antwerp visit the Montjuic Stadium.
Left-winger: Joao Felix
Arrived from Atletico Madrid on loan, but has already become a fan favorite of sorts among the Blaugrana faithful. His quick feet, awareness of his teammates around him, and a rather dynamic presence have all made him fit almost seamlessly within this Barcelona team and it will be interesting to see how much more Xavi is able to get him to deliver.
