The clash against Benfica will be crucial for Barcelona. A win means qualification for the Champions League round of 16, and this is what Xavi's team will go for.
However, picking a strong starting line-up will not be easy if we consider the limited options the coach has. Here are some of them.
Option 1
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Mingueza, Araujo, Pique, Alba - Busquets, Roberto, F. de Jong - Gavi, Memphis, Coutinho.
In comparison to the Espanyol line-up, this one has three changes. First, Ronald Araujo starts ahead of Eric Garcia. This would provide more physicality, which will be useful considering how the last game against Benfica went.
In midfield, Sergi Roberto takes the place of Nico Gonzalez in case the youngster is not ready to start after the knock he suffered last time.
And in attack, Gavi switches flanks in order to accommodate Philippe Coutinho, who would be starting on the left wing. As a reminder, Xavi cannot count on Abde Ezzalzouli and Ilias Akhomach for the game.
Option 2
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Roberto, Pique, Eric, Alba - Busquets, Gavi, F. de Jong - Demir, Memphis, Coutinho.
Other changes could include Sergi Roberto at right-back and Yusuf Demir from the start. Gavi would be shifted to midfield in this case.
Eric Garcia could again be trusted ahead of Ronald Araujo since he is more reliable in terms of passing.
Option 3
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Mingueza, Eric, Araujo, Alba - Busquets, Nico, F. de Jong - Demir, Memphis, Gavi.
If Xavi doesn't like Coutinho on the left, he can again use Gavi in that spot. In this case, Nico would return to the starting XI.
In defence, the coach could favour the Araujo-Eric duo if Gerard Pique is doesn't have the fitness level required to start two games in a row.
❓ What option do you like best and why? Tell us in the comments below!
