Busquets rests, Traore starts in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Galatasaray

The games continue to come hard and fast for Barcelona, who will take on Galatasaray in the Europa League Round of 16 first leg. The game is set to take place at the Camp Nou, the stadium that has seen 12 goals in the last four games.

For Barça, winning the Europa not only provides them with a chance to add new silverware to their glittering trophy cabinet, but also to open a new avenue to the Champions League.

Not to mention that after winning just one trophy across the last three seasons, the Europa trophy could serve as much-needed motivation for the team and new coach Xavi.

The manager confirmed that the starting XI will see some rotations, so join Barça Universal as we predict Barcelona’s lineup heading into the clash vs Galatasaray.

The starting XI

Ferran Torres started on the bench vs Elche but came on to make a difference in the second half. The winger showed superb off-the-ball movement, but could not put away more than one chance. He is expected to return to the starting lineup tomorrow night.

The other wing is likely to see the return of Adama Traore, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang retains his spot at centre-forward. Ousmane Dembele will probably not start the encounter at the Camp Nou because of the reception he is likely to receive from fans.

Gavi picked up a rather foolish yellow card against Napoli during the second leg and is therefore suspended for this game. We expect Nico to start the game, though in central midfield, while Sergio Busquets is rested.

Xavi has preferred to use Frenkie de Jong as the sole pivot in the absence of Busi, and so he could take up the anchor role. Pedri‘s presence is inarguable, for all fans know what he brings to the team at this point.

The options in the defence are limited, as well. Sergino Dest is the only natural right-back available for selection and thus, starts in our version of the XI. Jordi Alba continues on the left.

The defensive golden triangle is expected to be unchanged as well, with Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo starting at the heart of the defence. The duo have formed brilliant chemistry and will be critical in their charge for a second successive clean sheet at home.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been brought under heavy scrutiny once again recently, but with no competitors to replace him, he starts in the six-yard box.

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

The substitutes

With the option of bringing on five players, and no Gavi in the side, the involvement of Riqui Puig becomes likelier. Xavi said during his pre-game presser that he wishes to involve him more often, and tomorrow could be one of those games.

Ousmane Dembele and Memphis Depay have seen some minutes off the bench recently, both putting in a total of six-goal involvements in the last four games. It’s almost certain that they get the chance to replace the starting wingers tomorrow.

Since we have put Busquets on the bench, it is almost predictable to assume that he will, in fact, come on at some point. Xavi has shown the desire to rotate his midfield often, and could use the second half to rest one of de Jong or Pedri.

Finally, one of Martin Braithwaite or Luuk de Jong could come on in the final quarter of the game. The former returned to the squad list after being dropped last time out, which could signify something positive.