The team that Xavi is looking at starting in Munich
The coach has a couple of decisions to make but is largely decided
With a lot of accounts outstanding and the determination to make a statement across Europe, Barcelona are heading to Munich on Monday to face Bayern. It’s not just any Champions League group stage game. They have been humiliated by the Bavarians in recent years and righting those wrongs is in the forefront of their thoughts. Not to get revenge, per se, but to compete until the end and give everything they’ve got against one of the world’s best sides.
Xavi is quite sure of how he wants to set up. There are only one or two names he is mulling over. Ter Stegen will start in goal. Eric will play too. Nobody doubts his fine form. Kounde and Araujo will likely play. As will Gavi, Busquets, Pedri, Lewnadowski and Dembele.
From there, come the donuts. Raphinha is playing well and has started four of the six games. He could join the other two forwards. But Xavi might opt for Ferran’s work in the press and defensive discipline, although Raphinha is more likely.
The left back spot is also in doubt. Blade is doing well but in a game of this magnitude, let’s see if Xavi retains his confidence in the youngster. Or if he hands Marcos Alonso his first start. Jordi Alba seems a step behind the others. But who knows?
The best guess at a line up is: Ter Stegen, Koundé, Araujo, Eric Garcia, Balde, Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, Raphinha, Dembélé and Lewandowski.
