FC Barcelona packed their bags and headed over to Portugal in order to face off against their latest opponent. A UEFA Champions League clash awaits the Blaugrana at the Dragon’s stadium, where a hungry FC Porto side waits for their upcoming Catalan opponents.
With both teams currently locked in with three points each in Group H, Barcelona and Porto will both be striving to take away all three points. As a result, Xavi will likely not take any chances and deploy as strong an XI as he can.
Raphinha, Pedri, and Frenkie De Jong remain injured and thus not present in the final 20-man squad list. However, from those that are available, Xavi can still assemble a strong starting XI for Barcelona. Here is how Barca could line up against FC Porto:
Expected Line-up against Porto
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper remains undisputed and for good reason. Ter Stegen was once again at his best against Sevilla in the last match where he managed to ensure Barcelona kept another clean sheet. The Barca captain will now be looking towards his opponents from Portugal to try to halt their charge.
Right-back: Ronald Araujo
With the Uruguayan defender now rested and fully recovered, there seems to be no reason why Xavi will not have him play in this European encounter. However, given the good form that Kounde and Christensen have found together, Araujo may have to be deployed as a right-back to provide strength and defensive rigidity on the flank.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
Among the few Barcelona players to make WhoScored’s Team of the Month for La Liga, Kounde has been going from strength to strength. With great passing ability, solid defensive reading of the game, and always a strong mentality to break down, the Frenchman has been pivotal to Xavi’s team this season.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
The Danish defender compliments Barca’s style of play quite well. His own technical prowess alongside his dependable vision allows him to be a great outlet to initiate various moves to aid the Barcelona midfield and attack.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde/Joao Cancelo
Keeping in mind the scenario that would see Araujo start as a right-back, either of Joao Cancelo or Alejandro Balde could end up being benched. However, both players have things working in their respective favor.
For the Portuguese fullback, the left-back slot could be a second home given how effective he was there while playing for Manchester City. Moreover, he was arguably Barca’s best player since the time of his arrival. On the contrary, however, Balde is Barca’s undisputed left-back and is their best possible natural fit in that position.
CDM: Ilkay Gundogan
The problematic performance from Oriol Romeu against RCD Mallorca could see its repercussions reach him now. His German teammate at Barcelona, Ilkay Gundogan, presents a strong case as a good alternative for the pivot position thanks to both prior experience as one as well as his superior technical abilities and awareness.
CM: Gavi
A new leader on the field for Barcelona, both vocally as well as leading by his example as a player. Winning duels that no one would expect him to, charging into tackles no other would dare to, and most importantly, not giving up until the very last whistle. Gavi is a fundamental piece of this Barcelona side and Xavi Hernandez himself is aware of it.
CM: Fermin Lopez
The 20-year-old midfielder with aspirations to soon get a taste of international football may potentially be the final piece of the midfield. Impressing with almost every chance that he has been given, Lopez could prove to be a secret weapon for Xavi that not many in Europe would currently be too aware of.
Right-winger: Lamine Yamal
The 16-year-old has just recently renewed with Barcelona until 2026, and could be here to stay for even longer if he continues to perform like he is currently. A player of substantial quality and mesmeric potential, Yamal’s journey in Europe’s premier competition could be an exciting one to keep an eye on.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The 35-year-old Polish striker is still the primary talisman for FC Barcelona. With 5 goals and 3 assists already to his name in La Liga, Robert Lewandowski will be looking to add even more impressive numbers into his Champions League tally against Porto as well.
Left-winger: Joao Felix
The combinations between Joao Felix and Robert Lewandowski have thus far managed to impress. Both the forwards seem to simply synchronize better than other forwards in the team and Felix could be key to unlocking Porto’s defense.
