Match Preview : Barca VS Napoli- UCL R16

This game needs no build up. It needs no introduction. This match is by far and away the biggest game of our season so far. It feels like I’ve said that a lot this season, but tonight’s game is the big one. It’s the second leg of our champions league R16 game. Live from Montjuic at 9pm local time. It’s Barca VS Napoli. Following on from the first leg, which ended 1-1. It’s the deciding tie. In front of our own fans, we’re going to need all the support we can get. Xavi said in his press conference yesterday that the fans need to turn the stadium into a pressure cooker. It’s not going to be an easy game, its going to be a very tense evening. But this team needs every single bit of support possible to pull us through. Let’s jump straight into it!

Lessons learnt from the first leg:

Barca have already faced Napoli. Now were going to look at the possible lessons we could’ve learnt from the first leg. Defensively, i think in the first leg we held up really well. We didn’t allow a single shot on target until they scored late in the second half. And even that was purely down to a defensive mistake form Iñigo. So what we need to do is make sure were replicating that again. That solidity in tonight’s game.

We’re missing key creative players in midfield, like Pedri and Frenkie, who were available in the first leg, but wont be tonight due to injury. That itself makes the game even more difficult because we’re lacking a lot of creative sparks in the team, especially now in midfield. What we need to do it take advantage of our chances. Too many times this season we’ve created an abundance of chances, but we haven’t made the most of them. Like in the first leg. That has to change tonight. 

Predicted lineup:

When it comes to the lineup, we’re pretty much down to our bare bones. So apart from a couple positions, I think the team pretty much picks itself. For me, Cubarsi has to remain in the centre of defence for this one. Alongside Araujo who is fresh off a weeks rest due to a suspension against Mallorca.

In midfield, again, its one of two options. Does Xavi decide to go with Raphinha in a midfield position. Or will he move him to the right of attack and play Fermin Lopez in there instead? For me, i would go with a natural midfielder, that being Fermin. His runs into the box could also be key for us too.

And then in attack. I’d love to see roque get a start off of the left hand side. Not as a winger, but more so as a second striker. Similar to the position he played when he was subbed on against Mallorca. Although I do think Felix will start in front of him.  Lamine Yamal will most probably start on the right after his wonder goal on Friday and yet another incredible performance. Leaving Lewandowski leading the line up front. 

My starting 11:

Ter Stegen 

Kounde- Araujo- Cubarsi- Canceló

Gundogan- Christensen- Raphinha

Yamal- Lewandowski- Felix

Ryan Edwards