Predicted Barcelona lineup against Dynamo Kyiv: Coutinho replaces Aguero in the 4-3-3

This year’s UEFA Champions League has not harboured the best of memories for Barcelona this year. Two heavy defeats preceded an undeserved win where Barcelona dragged past the finish line.

Dynamo Kyiv is the only side that the Catalans have managed to beat in the competition, and it is the same opposition they go up against on Tuesday. The Ukrainian side are currently fourth on the table with one point.

Barcelona hover just above them thanks to their win over the last-placed team and could move up to second place on Tuesday if Bayern Munich defeat Benfica. Here is how Barça could lineup against Dynamo Kyiv.

Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen continues to slip away from his starting spot with every successive game. The German who was considered one of the team’s most decisive players on the field has slowly seen his decline take over. He is still young but looks nowhere close to the monster he was two seasons ago. As Barcelona take on Dynamo Kyiv, he will look to change the growing opinion of his fall.

Gerard Pique was taken off against Alaves owing to an injury. Tests revealed that he required a longer recuperation period and he will miss the midweek clash for the same reason. That said, Clement Lenglet seems best placed to replace him. The Frenchman was Sergi Barjuan’s first choice when a backup was required, and he will once again be on top of the pecking order.

Eric Garcia will partner Lenglet in central defence. The young Spaniard was one of the most involved players against Deportivo Alaves with over 100 passes. He has looked defensively stable. However, his momentary lapses in concentration usually coincide with goals conceded. He will look to put up a more mature performance on Tuesday in Pique’s absence.

Jordi Alba continues to remain a vital part of the team. Yet, there is a sense that he has not looked as dangerous this season. The Spaniard has struggled with crosses, and misses the telepathic connection he had with Lionel Messi.

Oscar Mingueza has improved exponentially since his intergation with the first team last year. The La Masia talent is now a more than able distributor of the ball and solid as a right-back. He will hold the fort down his flank as Dest completes the attacking duties.

Midfield

Sergio Busquets has been an underrated player for most of his career, and this season is no exception. Though he is conveniently grouped with the other captains in the list of ‘disappointing’ performers, he has still runs the midfield show for Barcelona. Once again, he will look to lead from the front against Kyiv.

Gavi has become integral to Barcelona’s setup, especially in Pedri’s absence. The 17-year-old knows how to create a menace in the opposition territory and manages to produce magical chances out of nothing. He will undoubtedly start on the night.

Over the last two games, no player can claim to have had as much impact as Nico Gonzalez. The midfielder has proven to be an able carrier of the ball whilst also being a threat in between the lines. The final midfield spot will be his for the taking.

Forward

Philippe Coutinho came off the bench on the last two occasions. He could get a start on Tuesday, however, owing to Sergio Aguero’s medical condition. The Brazilian has looked bleak in his performances this season. It remains to be seen if he can conjure up any tricks on Tuesday. He will start on the left-wing.

Memphis Depay scored a screamer in Barcelona’s last game, but also missed a couple of easy chances to bury the game. He has been pivotal in Barcelona’s attack, and will look to get on the scoresheet again against Kyiv.

Sergino Dest will start as the right-winger. The USMNT star will have to put up a bold performance given Ousmane Dembele’s speculated return next week. Dest has been impressive as a winger, but will have to prove his caliber on the night once again.

Coutinho · Memphis · Dest
Gavi · Busquets · Nico
Alba · Lenglet · Eric · Mingueza
ter Stegen

Substitutes

Riqui Puig

The La Masia graduate is amongst the most relieved figures at Camp Nou since Ronald Koeman’s departure. He will look to make an impression on the field with him finally getting prominence.

Abde

Sergi Barjuan gave the young winger his debut with the first team on Saturday. The youngster will likely get a second successive chance against Dynamo Kyiv.

Alejandro Balde

The young left-back finally featured for Barcelona again at the weekend after a long spell out injured. He will likely get some action in the closing minutes.