Match Preview : Barça VS Brest- UEFA Champions League

Only a few days on from our La Liga game in Vigo on the weekend, the team is back in action. This time it’s in the UEFA Champions League against French side, Brest. With all jokes aside this is a huge game for us, even more so now following a tricky period for the team where we’ve struggled to reach the heights of the early stages of the season. It’s a long season and things like this are inevitable, the most important thing now is how we react to it. So tonight against Brest, it’s not going to be easy. They’ve been impressive in the competition so it’s going to be a challenge for us. So let’s jump straight into the review.

A Quick Look at our opponents:

As mentioned above, Brest have had a really impressive campaign so far in the Champions league. And although it isn’t a big name and we don’t usually face them in Europe, it’s still not going to be an easy game at all. We have the home advantage, but Brest shouldn’t be underestimated.

Although in their respective league in Ligue 1, they’re in 12th place, in the champions league table they’re currently 4th in the table. And yeas of course, you could look at their run of fixtures so far, they have had some favourable match ups. But that doesn’t mean we should disregard them or undestimate them. They’ve got the talent, they’re gaining the experience in the competition too. So the main message really is to not take them lightly. Make a statement out there, that’s what we need to see.

Predicted lineup;

When it comes to the lineup for the game I think there will be a few rotations. One that definitely has to happen, no excuses whatsoever, is Gerard Martin. I for one have had enough of seeing him in the team. I don’t know what Flick sees in him, but he’s simply not good enough. He shouldn’t be anywhere near the first team, let alone starting games for Barca. So if Balde isn’t ready for the game tonight, play Hector fort there instead.

The only other change I’d do is rest Gavi. He was remarkable against Celta, but that was his first start in over a year. So I wouldn’t start him again 3 days later. In that case, I’d push Pedri alongside Casado. Shift Olmo back to the number 10 position and bring in Pau Victor instead. He’s a great talent and a natural attacker too. Plus he also makes great movements in and around the box and having that goal threat is something we need.