Ferencvaros vs Barcelona: Expected starting XI for Champions League clash

Midfield

Who Koeman opts for the midfield duo should be interesting. Having been an unused substitution, Miralem Pjanic should get the nod for one of those spots. The Bosnian has not played as often as he would like but has performed well when given the opportunity.

Carles Aleña was paired with Pjanic in their last Champions League match. However, Sergio Busquets was out with an injury and made his return in the second-half against Osasuna.

More often than not, Barcelona look a better team without Busquets and just coming back from injury, they may opt to be more cautious with the veteran midfielder.

With Pjanic and Aleña, they provide the team with a bit more of a balance. Pjanic provides that vision and passing that Busquets offers and with Aleña’s youthfulness, there is a player who can cover more ground and use his pace to his advantage.

Riqui Puig’s name has yet to be mentioned but is unlikely to start given where he is on the depth chart and how Koeman views him. For one reason or another, he just doesn’t seem to be his liking. If he features, it’ll be in the second half.

Given Barcelona can afford to play some of their squad players, expect Aleña to accompany Pjanic in that double pivot role.