Match Preview : Barca VS Porto

Tonight, at 9pm local time, a crucial week in our season begins. Of course, in the grand scheme of things there is still a long way of the season to go. But in terms of the teams we are facing and the value of each game, its a huge week for the club. It’s the champions league group stage. And we’re at home against Porto. Like we saw in the away game vs Porto, its not going to be an easy game at all. And we need to be going in to this game with the attitude that its a final. Something Canceló referenced in his press conference yesterday. It’s a big game, so lets jump straight into it. 

Lessons from the last few months:

It’s no surprise to anyone to hear that we have had a difficult few months. I think any barca fan can agree with that. But in times like these, this is where the support for the coach and the team has to be even greater than before. We all know what this team is capable of, we just need to return back to that level. Our last game against Rayo on the weekend was a perfect example of what our main problems have been this season.

In terms of the performance, I don’t actually think it was as bad as what some people have made it out to be. Xavi was clearly trying something new with the tactics. And with the shape of the team, and to be honest, it almost payed off. Once again though, it was the finishing that let us down. For me that has been our biggest problem this season. We just haven’t been clinical enough in front of goal. And its not like we haven’t had the chances. We lead La Liga for big chances created and missed. So it just sums up the root of our issues this season. Which is the main thing we’ll be looking to rectify later tonight. 

I think its important we are able to play our very best lineup vs Porto, and just go for the jugular. And like Cancelo referenced in his press conference yesterday. We need to treat this game like a final, use the home crowd and prove again what this team is capable of. We all know its in there. We’ve all seen it. We just have to get back to seeing it again. 

Predicted lineup:

Like I’ve just mentioned, the most important thing we can do straight off the bat, is play our very best lineup vs Porto. For me, that means ditching Romeu especially as he just slows the game down. Frenkie was exceptional against Rayo and that was him not even at full fitness. I would look at deploying a double pivot of Frenkie and Gundogan. It’s creative and it has that spark. Something that, at the moment, he’s just not giving us. Lamine Yamal was possibly our best player on the weekend, and so far this season, he’s been our best attacker. However at only 16, we shouldn’t have to rely on him on a huge night like this. Raphinha showed some good flashes when he came on, so he needs to take that into this game.

Defensively is where the questions come in. Are we going to play Kounde at right back again. Or are we going to play him in the centre of defence. Alongside Araujo who is nailed on going to start. However, Iñigo has been brilliant over the last few months and the fact he is naturally left footed also gives us balance in defence. Balde on the left hand side, being able to cut inside more and doing his thing. That’s what i want to see as well. And lastly, although i think he had a solid game on Saturday, I would drop Ferran for Felix who had a little rest on the weekend too. 

My starting 11:

Peña

Cancelo- Araújo- Iñigo- Balde

Pedri- Gündogan- Frenkie

Raphinha- Lewandowski- Félix

Ryan Edwards