Balde, Kessie start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Manchester United

After a rather disappointing performance at Camp Nou, Barcelona will travel to cold Manchester to take on Manchester United in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout stage.

Xavi had decided to rotate his team for the first game, opting to use Marcos Alonso as a central defender, while Jordi Alba played as the left-back. First-choice defenders Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde were benched.

The rotations definitely ended up costing Barcelona, as they could only muster up a 2-2 draw at home. Now they will face the prospect of going up against 75,000 people at Old Trafford tomorrow.

To add to the trouble, the Catalans will be without Gavi, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele. This makes the team selection infinitely tougher for Xavi.

Sergi Roberto or Franck Kessie? 4-3-3 or a 3-2-2-3? Frenkie de Jong as the pivor or a half-fit Sergio Busquets? These are all dilemmas, among others, that the coaching staff will need to solve ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Starters

Barcelona have the best defence in Europe, by far. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen back to his best, and Xavi having found the perfect four defenders to form a backline, the Blaugranes have conceded a mere seven goals in La Liga – the lowest in Europe’s top five leagues.

However, with injuries, experimentation, and poor concentration, Barcelona have found it difficult to replicate that form in Europe – part of why they are in the Europa League instead of the Champions League round of 16.

That said, tomorrow, there is no reason for Xavi to not start his best backline. Ter Stegen will definitely guard the goal, screened by Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. The latter put in a phenomenal shift in defence against Cadiz, and absolutely must start.

Meanwhile, the wings will should be protected by Jules Kounde on the right, and Alejandro Balde on the left. The Spaniard’s ability to drive upwards and take on defenders will be a huge asset against Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Things get complicated in midfield, but Frenkie de Jong is almost a guaranteed starter. The Dutchman will likely start in central midfield, with Xavi hoping he can create in the final third.

Sergi Roberto is also expected to get the nod in midfield after scoring and assisting on the weekend. He will take his place in an advanced role, though, while Franck Kessie likely starts as the defensive midfielder.

Sergio Busquets is also an option, but it seems unlikely that he starts from scratch tomorrow, especially since he has been rushed from injury.

As we move to the frontline, it is evidently clear that there is just one position that is worth debating — left-wing.

Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are both options, but the former was exceptional against Cadiz, albeit on the right, and his form must take priority. The latter has done well after being brought on as a substitute, but has failed to influence games while starting.

Elsewhere, there is little to no doubt that Robert Lewandowski will lead the line as the no. 9, while Raphinha slots in as the right-winger.

The Brazilian put in an incredible shift against United in the first leg, assisting Marcos Alonso’s goal and then scoring one to bring Barça back in the game. He was evidently angered about being subbed off, but has the chance to prove his worth to away fans tomorrow.

Barcelona Predicted XI: ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Roberto, Kessie, de Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ferran

Substitutes

Even though the score is 2-2, Barcelona will do the chasing in the game playing away from home. Consequently, most of the substitutes are expected to be attacking.

Starting with Ansu Fati. The Spaniard attempted three audacious shots against United at Camp Nou, and could have likely scored the winner on any other day. Given the space and time, Fati definitely has the skill set to make a difference.

Should United score and sit in a mid or low block, Barcelona could have problems breaking through the defence. This is where Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s services could prove to be useful. Both of them have an eye for a pass from various situations.

Xavi could also be tempted to bring in Pablo Torre. An attacking midfielder, the youngster plays well between the lines and could be useful to change the tempo of the game.

In another scenario, it will not be surprising to see Marcos Alonso being brought on, especially if Barcelona have taken the lead.