Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Galatasaray

After what seemed like an endless pitfall, Barcelona finally seem to have found the light at the end of the tunnel. The past few years have been rough on the Catalans, but it was finally Xavi who cracked the code. Confidence now seems to ooze out of every player’s veins, and the team finally has a direction.

The Blaugranes are now unbeaten in their last eight games and have scored 22 goals in the process. They are now on a four-game winning streak and could not be more confident heading into the Europa League clash against Galatasaray.

The first leg against the Turkish side will be at Camp Nou and the second leg is scheduled for later this month. Barcelona will want to get a sizeable advantage at home against Domenec Font’s side, especially after failing to secure a lead over Napoli at home in the last round.

Here are three talking points ahead of the round of 16 clash between Barcelona and Galatasaray.

1. The problems of an over-performing forward line

The situation of the forward department has turned around completely over the past month. When Xavi arrived, Barcelona were struggling to find ways to score, owing to a combination of injuries and poor form.

Now, living in a parallel world, Xavi’s side cannot stop creating and scoring. The shift in mentality from the squad has been remarkable as they now create chance after chance with ease. Needless to say, the winter signings had a major part to play in this metamorphosis.

Unfortunately, Xavi can only play three forwards on the night at Camp Nou. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to start the game as the striker after his explosive start to life at Barcelona. However, the question over the wingers persists.

Ousmane Dembele and Adama Traore are the two options to start on the right flank. The Frenchman was a lively presence on the field against Elche and was the focus of most of Barcelona’s attacks. However, the same can be said of Traore’s impact when called off the bench.

Meanwhile, the competition on the right-wing is slowly developing as well. Ferran Torres is expected to start against Galatasaray after delivering a game-changing performance at the weekend.

However, Memphis Depay is slowly but surely making a strong case to start too. It remains to be seen as to which combination Xavi opts for on the night.

2. An opposition out of form

Galatasaray are a club that have historically dominated the Turkish League. The club have won the Super Lig a record 22 times, more than any other side in the history of Turkish football.

Last season, they finished second in the league standings, level on points with champions Besiktas. However, their story has been far from inspiring this season.

In the current season, Galatasaray languishes in 12th place in the Super Lig, a whopping 32 points behind league leaders Trabzonspor. Their chances of qualification for next season’s Champions League are virtually nil, as they stay 17 points adrift of CL spots.

Font’s side have lost seven of their last 11 games, with their latest loss coming 2-0 away from home to Konyaspor. To say that the team are out of form would be an understatement.

Xavi’s Barcelona will be eager to devour their latest prey. Given the poor run of form, Galatasaray are on, the strategy from the garnet and blue will certainly be to throw the kitchen sink in the first leg and put the tie to bed. However, they must be cautious at the same time as no opposition in Europa League can be taken for granted.

3. The art of substitution

One of Xavi’s most impressive qualities as a manager has been his ability to introduce game-changing substitutions when they are needed the most. In both of Barcelona’s last two games, the players who were called off the bench made the difference.

Ousmane Dembele’s spectacular cameo against Athletic Club saw him pick up a goal and two assists, while Ferran Torres and Memphis Depay both came off the bench and scored against Elche.

Against Galatasaray, Xavi will look to use his ability to serve a dual benefit. While the players called upon will look to change the game with their presence, the substitution will also help other players get a deserved rest ahead of a hectic month.

Xavi will likely have Adama Traore, Luuk de Jong, Nico Gonzalez, and Memphis Depay on the bench, all players worthy of being in the starting lineup. While it is indeed a luxury to have as a manager, Xavi will look to make the most of his resources.