Barcelona vs. Crvena zvezda: UCL Team News
The UEFA Champions League group stage is heating up, and Barcelona will be looking to secure a crucial victory against Serbian champions Crvena zvezda on October 25th. Both teams are battling for a place in the knockout rounds, making this a must-win game for both sides.
Let's dive into the team news and potential lineups for this exciting encounter.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing 1-1 draw against Inter Milan in their last Champions League fixture. Manager Xavi Hernandez will need to assess his squad and make key decisions regarding team selection.
Key Injury Concerns:
- Ronald Araujo: The Uruguayan defender remains a doubt for the game due to a hamstring injury sustained in the Inter match.
- Jules Koundé: Koundé is still recovering from a thigh injury and is unlikely to feature.
- Frenkie de Jong: The Dutch midfielder is a potential absentee due to a minor knock.
Potential Lineup:
With key players unavailable, Xavi might opt for a more experienced lineup. The starting XI could include:
- Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
- Defense: Balde, Christensen, Garcia, Sergi Roberto
- Midfield: Pedri, Gavi, Busquets
- Attack: Dembélé, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Crvena zvezda Team News
Crvena zvezda will be aiming for a shock result against the Spanish giants. Their Champions League campaign has been tough so far, with two losses against Inter Milan and a narrow win against Viktoria Plzeň.
Key Players to Watch:
- Aleksandar Katai: The Serbian attacking midfielder is a creative force and will be key to unlocking Barcelona's defense.
- Mirko Ivanić: Ivanić's pace and dribbling skills make him a dangerous threat on the counter-attack.
- Guilerme: The Brazilian striker will be looking to lead the line and cause problems for Barcelona's backline.
Potential Lineup:
Manager Dejan Stanković could field a 4-4-2 formation with a strong defensive base:
- Goalkeeper: Borjan
- Defense: Milunović, Eraković, Dražić, Gobeljić
- Midfield: Kangwa, Kanga, Ivanić, Katai
- Attack: Bukari, Guilerme
The Verdict
Barcelona are the clear favorites on paper, but Crvena zvezda will be determined to upset the odds. The Serbian side will be looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Barcelona's lineup, while the Blaugrana will be hoping to use their attacking firepower to secure a comfortable win.
The clash between these two teams promises to be an exciting encounter.