Three starting lineup dilemmas for Xavi ahead of Galatasaray vs Barcelona

Barcelona are one of the highest-scoring teams in the top five leagues this calendar year, putting four past Osasuna, Athletic Club, Valencia, and even Atletico Madrid.

While three of these four games were at home, Xavi’s men have not been able to replicate the same form at the Camp Nou in the Europa League.

Barça were held off by Napoli 1-1 in the first leg of the playoff stage, and then 0-0 by Galatasaray in the Round of 16 first leg. Both at home.

While the former was an elite display of creativity – especially in the second half – the Catalans did not look as dominant against the Turkish outfit. That said, both games had one thing in common.

Xavi chose to bench his key players in both games, choosing to rotate ahead of key La Liga games. Sergio Busquets was benched in both games, while Nico Gonzalez was preferred over Gavi.

Similarly, Ousmane Dembele did not start either game. To make things worse, Gerard Pique started from the bench during the Galatasaray game.

Ahead of the second leg, Xavi has to pick the best possible lineup, even if it means burdening some key players with extra minutes. He faced three huge conundrums – one in each area – ahead of the game, which we will now take a closer look at.

Ousmane Dembele or Adama Traore

It is safe to assume that Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start the game tomorrow night. Not because of their form, but primarily because of their profile. The duo offer fluid positioning in attack, often swapping places, and are dynamic off the ball.

The right-wing, meanwhile, is likely to be contested by two excellent wingers, both in brilliant form: Ousmane Dembele and Adama Traore.

Dembele has truly turned the whistles into applause with his sensational form recently. He has scored two goals and assisted seven under Xavi, and was inarguably the best player vs Osasuna this weekend.

Adama, meanwhile, has settled back at Catalonia in brilliant fashion, adding a cutting edge of pace-and-power in the attack. With four assists, he is already one of the best creators in the team and has the ability to break ankles all day long.

However, as seen during the first leg, Adama’s trademark sprint-and-cross technique was rendered largely useless by Galatasaray. Given the same space from the beginning, Dembele can do a lot more damage because he is as much a goal threat as he is a creator.

BU Verdict: Ousmane Dembele.

Frenkie de Jong vs Gavi

Frenkie de Jong has been part of the first-choice midfield for Xavi along with Sergio Busquets and Pedri, but it is difficult to overlook Gavi. The 17-year-old makes a difference whenever he plays and is definitely in contention for this game after missing he first leg from suspension.

Gavi was superb vs Osasuna on Sunday. He looked very comfortable playing with Pedri and showed his range as a footballer with a superb performance on both ends. He won the penalty early in the game and made three interceptions and tackles, each.

De Jong started the season well, but stumbled across the way. However, his stocks have really skyrocketed since Xavi took over. Not only has he scored three goals and given one assist since the turn of the year, but he has also learnt how to control the midfield.

What FdJ does offer over Gavi, especially in a European tie, is the ability to make third-man runs into the box.

Galatasaray are bound to offer at least as much space they did in the first leg, if not more. That can be exploited by de Jong, who is honing that aspect of his game every passing game.

Not to mention Gavi played 90 minutes on the weekend, while his Dutch counterpart was rested completely.

BU Verdict: Frenkie de Jong.

Eric Garcia vs Ronald Araujo

A week ago, this would have been a straightforward choice given Araujo’s form. A shaky performance in the first leg, though, puts a question over him.

The Uruguayan’s comfort on the ball has improved significantly since he started donning the garnet and blue, but Galatasaray really put his improvement under the test last Thursday.

He looked nervous in possession, often choosing incorrect passes options and delaying attacks. As a result, he was taken off at half-time for Gerard Pique, who is bound to start tomorrow as well.

Garcia, meanwhile, offers a ton more in possession. His passing range is admirable, and he looks composed driving the ball into midfield.

That said, the Spaniard is not nearly as solid defensively as Araujo. Galatasaray fans are expected to paint the stadium red with flares, and Garcia has not performed well under pressure in situations like this.

He crumbled vs Real Madrid and Benfica earlier this season and was often seen making rash decisions vs Athletic Club as well.

Galatasaray will rely on quick transitions and counter-attacks against Barcelona, and the difference between his and Garcia’s defensive acumen is way huge to ignore. After being rested against Osasuna, this should be a simple decision.

BU Verdict: Ronald Araujo.