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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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Left Back: Junior Firpo

Jordi Alba is an undisputed starter at left back for Barcelona considering the mythical connection he has with Lionel Messi. The diminutive full back’s brilliant cut-backs always find Leo Messi’s feet often resulting in goal. Sadly, Alba will be missed against Dortmund as continues his rehabilitation from the muscle injury that he suffered in October.

In the Spaniard’s absence, the man who was bought to challenge Alba’s spot, Junior Firpo is expected to start. Bought for €18 million from Real Betis, Firpo is expected to play a back-up role throughout the campaign. Alba’s injury has given Firpo a chance to impress the Barcelona faithful and Valverde.

The Dominican has played 6 La Liga games and featured for 90 minutes against Leganes.  Firpo will have his biggest test on Wednesday as he comes up against the supersonic speedster Jadon Sancho.

Centre Back: Samuel Umtiti

With Clement Lenglet in a race against time to recover from the calf strain, it is unlikely that Valverde will push his first choice centre back into such a demanding and a high intensity game. Umtiti played 90 minutes against Leagnes and was much better than Pique during the entire game.

However, the French World Cup winner has injury concerns of his own as he has recently recovered from a string of knee injuries. It looked like the club has run out of patience with Umtiti and were ready to cash in on him but at the end the club decided to stick with the beast.

Umtiti has never played two consecutive 90 minute games in 14 months, his knee injuries have taken a toll on his qualities and his confidence and defensive astuteness have gone down yet his case is not over yet and a solid performance against Dortmund could swing the air of support in his favour.

https://twitter.com/samumtiti/status/1198251324716015618

Centre Back: Jean-Clair Todibo

Ernesto Valverde will have to have gather some courage and trust Todibo to start against Luicen Favre’s team. Gerard Pique is suspended thanks to the third yellow card he picked in the four games. In such circumstances the young Todibo is expected to start as Lenglet remains doubtful with his calf injury.

Umtiti is expected to marshal the defence and guide Todibo throughout the game. The right footed centre back will be up against the likes of Julian Brandt and Marco Reus. Gametime hasn’t come easy for the 19-year-old as he has managed only 77 minutes of football this season.

The word is on the street that Valverde trusts academy product and Barcelona B centre half Ronald Araujo more than Todibo and is willing to part ways with the Frenchman in January but as for Wednesday Todibo should make his Champions League debut at the Nou Camp.

Right back: Sergi Roberto

Ernesto Valverde trusts Semedo and is Barcelona’s first choice right back this season but with the Portuguese injured, Sergi Roberto is expected to cover the right back spot. The homegrown Roberto has demonstrated versatility throughout his career playing at various positions in defence, attack and midfield.

He has performed well at right back and has shown signs that he can perform defensively. Moussa Wague started at the right back position against Leganes but Roberto is expected to get into the team for the Champions League clash.

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