Official: Barcelona starting lineup vs Napoli

Xavi, in his pre-match press conference, emphasised on what the competition meant to the team, despite the fact that they very much wanted to be in the Champions League. As such, he’s made some critical changes to the side that took on Espanyol on the weekend.

With Ronald Araujo injured, Eric Garcia slots in the middle of the defence alongside Gerard Pique. Jordi Alba starts on the left side of the defence, while Sergino Dest is benched for Oscar Mingueza. Marc-Andre ter Stegen takes up his role in goal.

First-choice captain Sergio Busquets has been benched for today’s proceedings, probably given the hectic schedule. Frenkie de Jong will take his place as the defensive midfielder, while Nico Gonzalez and Pedri run the show as central midfielders. Gavi is benched, too.

The attack features Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who gets his first start in the garnet and blue. Adama Traore continues on the right side of the attack, hoping to build on his two assists in two games. Ferran Torres is the last one out, starting on the left.

Barça XI#BarçaNapoli pic.twitter.com/bNJGPxo6Ok

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2022

While it is safe to assume that this is a 4-3-3, it could very well form a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-1-2 with Adam and Alba as wingbacks, and Pedri as the number 10.

Official Barça XI: ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Nico, de Jong, Pedri; Adama, Aubameyang, Torres