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Barcelona Predicted XI against Borussia Dortmund: A crucial tie in the Group of death

By Parth Jhaveri

FC Barcelona line up (L-R) Andre Ter Stegen,Clement Lenglet, Junior Firpo, Nelson Semedo, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi,Antoine Griezmann, Sergi Roberto, Arthur Melo, Luis Suarez during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on September 24, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
FC Barcelona line up (L-R) Andre Ter Stegen,Clement Lenglet, Junior Firpo, Nelson Semedo, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi,Antoine Griezmann, Sergi Roberto, Arthur Melo, Luis Suarez during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on September 24, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona prepare for one of the toughest games of the season as they welcome Borussia Dortmund at the Nou Camp.

Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona have been unsteady this season as the team have struggled to dominate games in their usual fashion. The Catalans have failed to dictate games with their special modus operandi of dominating large spells of game with possession and high pressing.

The shortcomings of their system were once again demonstrated against relegation battling Leganes during the weekend. Barcelona toiled against the 20th placed side and were largely ineffective throughout the game however, the La Liga champions were lucky enough to walk home with the 3 points.

A number of reasons could be given for Barcelona’s under-par showings but Ernesto Valverde lies at the heart of the blame. The former Athletic Bilbao coach has made a mockery of Barcelona’s system and has made the team over-dependent on Captain Lionel Messi.

Dangers are looming large that the speedy and high-intensity Dortmund might tear Barcelona apart when they visit the Nou Camp.

https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1199041348348841986

Amid the crisis at Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde has now been tasked with another humongous challenge of fielding the strongest 11 during Barcelona’s worst defensive injury crisis this season. The crunch tie against the Germans will have a monumental impact in shaping the group of death. A win would secure Barcelona’s qualification and will allow them to play against Inter on the last matchday without any additional pressure.

With Gerard Pique out due to suspension, Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba unavailable due to injuries and Clement Lenglet in a race against time to get fit before the clash, Valverde has a serious line up headache and he needs to find the aspirin as soon as possible.

https://twitter.com/mterstegen1/status/1190357433757163521

Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen

Marc Andre ter Stegen is the easiest choice in the lineup after Lionel Messi. Ter Stegen has been in phenomenal form this season and if it weren’t for him and his world-class saves, Barcelona would have been performing worse defensively than they are doing now. I don’t feel like I’m going out on a limb here.

The German shot stopper has proved again and again that why he is to be considered one of the top three keepers in the world if not the best.  Despite only keeping 5 clean sheets so far, the 27-year-old has successfully saved 26 of the 44 shots he has faced.

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