Match Previews

Barcelona vs Galatasaray match preview: Possible lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

Published

5 years ago

09/03/2022

Date and time: 10th March 2022, 9:00 PM CET
Venue: Camp Nou
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Referee: Benoit Bastien

Overview

When drawn up against Napoli in the Europa League, the popular opinion said that Barcelona were put up against the toughest test. The Serie A side had been on a phenomenal run of domestic form and were even considered favourites heading into the game against the Blaugranas.

Yet, Xavi’s side dismantled the Italians with ease, scoring four goals past them in the all-important second leg.

The Round of 16 draw sees the Catalans face Galatasaray, the 22-time Super Lig champions. However, it is expected to be a comparatively easier game for Barcelona, given the Turkish side’s horrible form this season.

The game against Elche showed that there still are many areas to improve for Xavi’s side. Nevertheless, their continued dominance on the night was the more significant takeaway. A little more composure in front of goal can make the Blaugranes a team to fear.

What to expect from Barcelona?

Xavi has some important decisions to make ahead of his side’s game against Galatasaray. The tight schedule ahead necessitates changes in his lineup on the night, and rotations are expected, especially in the attack and midfield.

The Catalan goal will once again be guarded by Marc-Andre ter Stegen who will look to deny Galatasaray an away goal. If the German has a good night in goal, Barcelona’s chances of qualification go up significantly.

Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo are expected to be the starting centre-backs for the Europa League clash. The Spanish defender has been having a phenomenal season under Xavi Hernandez and must step up on the night against a tricky forward line.

The left-back position will likely be occupied by Jordi Alba who had an assist, three tackles and two clearances in his last appearance. At right-back, Xavi’s decision is made easier by the exclusion of Dani Alves from the squad. Sergino Dest will receive a well-deserved start after picking up momentum in a new-ish style.

Dest has picked up form and style under Xavi. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Sergio Busquets could be rested against Galatasaray, much like when he was given a break against Napoli in the first leg. In his place, Frenkie de Jong may start as the defensive midfielder.

Gavi’s suspension on the night leaves Xavi with a reasonably straightforward decision in midfield. Pedri was responsible for Elche’s opener at the weekend and will look to make amends on Thursday. Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez could receive a start in the middle of the park.

After the impact Ferran Torres had in the last game, it is a no-brainer that he will start on the left wing. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will spearhead Barcelona’s attack while Adama Traore could start over Dembele on the right-wing.

Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Pique, Alba; Pedri, de Jong, Nico; Torres, Aubameyang, Traore

What to expect from Galatasaray?

The Turkish giants have been in free-fall since the beginning of the season and are yet to find their rhythm. Their new manager, Domenec Font, has been an advocate of the 4-2-3-1 and will look to continue the same against Barcelona.

La Masia talent Inaki Pena has been at the receiving end of significant game time since his move to Turkey and could start against his parent club on his return to Camp Nou.

The duo of Marcao and Victor Nelsson will likely take their position as the centre-backs on the big night as they look to come back strong after a defeat to Konyaspor.

Patrick Van Aanholt will start at left-back and be faced with the challenge of handling Adama Traore. Needless to say, it is a steep task for the Dutchman. At right-back, Sacha Boey must spring back after a poor showing at the weekend.

Van Aanholt has been in impressive form this season. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

The midfield in the form of a single pivot with two attacking midfielders as the supporting acts. Erick Pulgar will be the no. 6 tomorrow, with Alexandru Cicaldau and Berkan Kutlu as attacking 8s.

The wings will feature Keren Atkurkoglu and Emere Kilinc, while Bafetimbi Gomis starts as the centre-forward at the age of 36.

Predicted Athletic Club XI: Pena; Boey, Nelsson, Marcao, van Aanholt; Pulgar; Kilinc, Cicaldau, Kutlu, Akturkoglu; Gomis

Marquee player

Marcao

The Brazilian international has been the one working gear in Galatasaray’s dysfunctional machine. His numbers in defence back up that claim, as well.

In the Super Lig this season, Marcao averages six duels won, 3.5 clearances, two tackles and two interceptions per game. Moreover, he has created two big chances and has an assist in the Europa League so far.

Match Facts

Barcelona previous games: WWWWD

Galatasaray previous games: LWWDD

Head-to-head record

Barcelona 3-1 Galatasaray | Champions League 2002/03
Galatasaray 0-2 Barcelona | Champions League 2002/03
Galatasaray 0-1 Barcelona | Champions League 2001/02
Barcelona 2-2 Galatsaray | Champions League 2001/02
Galatasaray 2-1 Barcelona | Champions League 1994/95

Key Stats

Barcelona are unbeaten in their last eight games.
Galatasaray have lost seven of their last eleven games.
The game at Camp Nou could be Jordi Alba’s 100th match in UEFA competitions.
Barcelona have lost just once vs Galatasary in official matches. (W5, D2)
Galatasaray have not kept a clean sheet in their last 11 games.

Prediction

Given the Turkish side’s poor run of form this season, one would expect a comfortable win for Barcelona. At the same time, given it is a European competition, Xavi and co. must not get complacent or overconfident.

Barça Universal prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Galatasaray

What did you think of this article?