Barcelona will face Napoli in the second leg of the round of 16 fixture this weekend with the aggregate score 1-1. This would be the last resort for the Catalans after failing to win any of the domestic trophies this season – an uncharacteristic record from their standpoint.
Barca faced Napoli at San Paolo before the Pandemic break, with the game ending in a stalemate. Quique Setien’s side were able to score an important away goal thanks to the strike from Griezmann. However, Barca found it difficult to breach the compact defence of the Partenopei, who came with a clear plan to be rigid at defence and then unleash on the counters. And they were quite effective as they scored a goal in such fashion.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side has been impressive of late, producing a string of wins albeit a sluggish start to the season. Under the former AC Milan gaffer, Napoli also defeated Juventus to clinch the Coppa Italia title while finishing seventh in Serie A.
Elsewhere, Barca have been a mixed bag since the return of football, eventually losing out to Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. The only positive in this tough times turned out to be the revelation of Barca B midfielder Riqui Puig, who quickly became an important figure in the side.
The ideal line-up against Napoli – 4-3-3
Defenders
Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba
With both Samuel Umtiti and Ronaldo Araujo out injured, Setein will be worrying about the central defender options and is left with Pique and Lenglet. Both of them have been exceptional lately, with Lenglet proving that he is better than his compatriot Umtiti. Nelson Semedo should take up the right-back role, paving way for Sergi Roberto to the midfield. Jordi Alba is the inevitable option in the left-back.
Midfielders:
Frenkie de Jong, Sergi Roberto, Rakitić/Riqui Puig
This is where Setien would be contemplating since his favourite Sergio Busquets will be absent for the game – as a result of accumulation of yellow cards. Nonetheless, the former Real Betis manager has an young and high-spirited midfielder at his disposal – Riqui Puig. The Spaniard has started most of the La Liga games lately and is also in fine touch. Barcelona boss can ultimately use experience Rakitic.
Frenkie de Jong can assume the role of Busquets – the holding midfielder role. Sergi Roberto has to be the third midfielder given his performances in the final weeks of La Liga.
Forwards:
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann/Ansu Fati
Setien has been provided a huge boost as Antoine Griezmann is expected to be fit before the Napoli clash. However, it remains to be seen whether Setien could risk lining up the French man as a starter. Ansu Fati deserves a starting spot for all he has done in his debut campaign. Luis Suarez should be the focal point in the attack, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings in a free role.
