After a huge victory against Valencia on Sunday, FC Barcelona seek to continue their winning ways and carry it over to the Champions League, as they will be taking on Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday. FC Barcelona have had a horror start to their 2021-22 UCL Campaign. They lost 3-0 TWICE against Bayern München and Benfica. This time they will be playing at the Camp Nou, ready to claim their long-awaited victory everyone desires.
Koeman has been fairly criticized as he set up against Bayern with a 3-5-2 system, which made some sort of sense as notable absences in the squad sheet had been seen, however, it made zero sense on why he would repeat the same exact 3-5-2 against a weaker side, in Benfica. This is in no disrespect to Benfica but there is a huge difference between Benfica and Bayern.
Also it had been said that, Koeman had only discussed that they would use the 3-5-2 system just hours before the match, and this could be interpreted as a panic move, because there was no point of it. Hopefully this time around against Dynamo, Koeman stays consistent and sticks to the plan with his system, and what fans would like to see is a 4-3-3 set up. This match is crucial for Koeman, because if he can’t get a good result, his future will be once again up in the air.
How are Dynamo Kyiv doing?
The Ukrainian side have only picked up one win in their last 3 matches in league and UCL. In the Champions League, they are yet to win a game just like Barca, being thumped 5-0 by Bayern in their most recent UCL outing and left to a draw against Benfica. So, by the looks of it, Kyiv aren’t looking that strong, and Barca may have the stronger chance in coming out with 3 points. Also, not to forget that in last season’s UCL group stage, Dynamo Kyiv were also drawn with Barca, and things didn’t end well for the Ukrainian side, as FC Barcelona demolished them 4-0 and 2-1.
Expected Lineup?
I expect Koeman to continue with the default 4-3-3 system, as I think the team is more confident in playing in that, but with Koeman as our coach, it is quite unpredictable on how we may line-up, as he has used 4-2-3-1 and 3-5-2 before this season. Quickly highlighting the changes in a 4-2-3-1, we will see a double pivot with Busquets and maybe someone like Nico Gonzalez, as that was the plan against Atletico Madrid. In a 3-5-2, we would be seeing counter attacking style football. As both styles have backfired on several occasions, I can safely bet on a 4-3-3.
Now moving onto the expected lineup:
GK: Ter Stegen
RB: Dest
CB: Pique
CB: Eric Garcia
LB: Jordi Alba
CM: Frenkie De Jong
CDM: Busquets
CM: Gavi
RW: Coutinho
ST: Memphis
LW: Fati
Koeman will most likely start Coutinho after his performance against Valencia. Meanwhile, Dest will go back down at right back, other than that, I don’t see any other changes. I expect him to substitute Fati off at half time, so he gets more rest after his recovery. Aguero will probably play more minutes. I expect him to come on at around the one hour mark replacing Fati or Coutinho.
Score Predictions?
I expect a positive result, in a 4-0 win. I honestly feel like we could do this if Koeman motivates and sets up this team in the right way.
