Lyon vs Barcelona: Expected Starting XI for 1st leg of UCL last 16
Barcelona will travel to Lyon with a fully rested squad
Currently, Barcelona are in a comfortable position in the La Liga table, 7 points clear at the top being enjoying an inconsistent run of form. But after registering a narrow 1-0 win against Real Valladolid, Barça are looking to sustain that momentum against Lyon.
The side have an advantage in this tie, playing the away leg of the fixture first. Barça have an opportunity to secure some away goals going into the second leg at the Camp Nou. Also, the key first-team players are well-rested and will be raring to go.
But Lyon will still pose a threat. Bruno Génésio’s side have won 4 of their last 5 games, including a 2-1 victory against Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain. They have a solid defence, while attackers Memphis Depay, Mousa Dembélé and Bertrand Traoré have been very impressive.
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
Right-back: Nélson Semedo
Centre-back(right): Gerard Piqué
Centre-back(left): Clément Lenglet
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Central playmaker(right): Arturo Vidal
Holding midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Central playmaker(left): Ivan Rakitić
Right winger: Lionel Messi
Centre-forward: Luis Suárez
Left winger: Ousmane Dembélé
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Marc-André ter Stegen has to start in goal, with Nélson Semedo coming in to replace Sergi Roberto, who has been underwhelming recently. At centre-back, Gerard Piqué has to stay in defence while Clément Lenglet returns after being rested against Real Valladolid.
In midfield, Arturo Vidal is expected to get the nod over Carles Aleñá due to his experience in big-match situations. He would start on the right side of midfield, with Ivan Rakitić moving to the left. The refreshed Sergio Busquets will return to his usual role of central defensive midfielder.
In attack, Lionel Messi will remain in the starting lineup. Luis Suárez will also return to the first-team, after coming off the bench to replace Kevin-Prince Boateng in the 1-0 win over Valladolid. Ousmane Dembélé is also expected to be retained by Ernesto Valverde.
Next. Barça consolidate position at the top of the La Liga table. dark
Overall, a very strong lineup is expected to take the field against Lyon. The only major absence is Arthur, while Samuel Umtiti should not be thrown straight back into action against his former club. Valverde will be hoping that Barça will be able to end Lyon’s amazing run of good form.