Barcelona predicted first and second half lineups against Manchester City

Despite being eluded of the UEFA Champions League title year after year, Manchester City remain one of, if not the best side in Europe. After all, it is not normal in the Premier League for a club to be crowned champions in four of the last five years.

Under different circumstances, a clash between Barcelona and Manchester City would be the talk of the town. There may not be much noise around the clash between the two sides scheduled for tomorrow, but it is far from a purposeless affair.

The fixture between Barcelona and City is aimed at raising funds to pioneer the research on ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a disease that former Barcelona goalkeeper Juan Carlos Unzue was diagnosed with two years ago.

The former shot-stopper was not only a teammate of Pep Guardiola but a member of his coaching staff. While the game may not be competitively significant, it will be a long way in improving many lives across the globe for generations to come.

Xavi will look to test his bench strength on the night, keeping in mind that their next La Liga game is less than a week away. Keeping in mind that there is no limit on the number of substitutions, Barca Universal discusses how the team could line up in both halves.

First Half

In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen should continue to start for the Blaugranes. The German has begun the new season strongly and will look to keep up his form against City.

Jules Kounde‘s registration issues prevented him from participating in the first two league games of the season. He will likely start on the night, likely alongside Gerard Pique who has also found it difficult to get minutes this season.

Alex Balde picked up an assist in Barcelona’s game against Real Sociedad and will play at left-back.

One can expect to see Sergi Roberto on the right-side of defence given the personal importance of this fixture for him. The Spaniard lost his mother to ALS a few years ago.

Pedri and Sergio Busquets could be rested for the clash, given how fundamental they are for the team week in and week out. In their absence, Franck Kessie and Miralem Pjanic are expected to start in midfield.

The third name in the middle of the park will be Gavi. The youngster has been far from his best in the opening games and will look to recover his magical touch.

Xavi has no dearth of options in the final third. The first half could see Memphis Depay play his last game for the club. The Dutchman would likely start as the striker, with Raphinha to his right and Ferran Torres to his left side.

Torres · Memphis · Raphinha
Gavi · Pjanic · Kessie
Balde · Pique · Kounde · Roberto
ter Stegen

Second Half

Neto’s departure earlier this summer meant that young Inaki Pena would be Ter Stegen’s deputy this season. The La Masia graduate will almost certainly get minutes in the second half.

Andreas Christensen has been reliable and solid in his initial games in garnet and blue colours. He will likely play alongside Samuel Umtiti, who is close to joining Lecce in the coming days.

Jordi Alba was heavily criticised for his poor performance against Rayo Vallecano and has a point to prove in his minutes tomorrow. The third captain could play at left-back in the second half, with Sergino Dest playing at right-back, possibly the last time in a Barça shirt.

In midfield, the manager may opt to give Frenkie de Jong a second successive start as the pivot. The Dutchman was far from his best against La Real and must make amends in his defensive play.

The advanced midfielders in the second period could be Pablo Torre and Sergio Busquets. These will be valuable minutes for the former, looking to earn more minutes with Barcelona’s senior team this season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s move to Chelsea is said to be practically completed. The Gabonese striker was an invaluable part of the team last season as he helped them secure a second-place finish in the league. He will play in the second half of what will be his farewell game.

The manager can round off the lineup by calling up Ez Abde and Martin Braithwaite to play on the left and right wings, respectively. Like many others in the team, the game against City could be the latter’s final game for Barcelona.

Abde · Aubameyang · Braithwaite
de Jong · Busquets · Torre
Alba · Umtiti · Christensen · Dest
Pena