90min

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Benfica - Champions League

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Barcelona come into the game off the back of a La Liga victory
Barcelona come into the game off the back of a La Liga victory / SOPA Images/Getty Images
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Barcelona finally gave their fans something to smile about on Sunday, as they breezed to a 3-0 victory over Levante.

They will be hoping to keep the good times rolling in midweek when they take on a Benfica side who have won each of their opening seven games this season.

Ronald Koeman still has a range of injuries to contend with ahead of the game. Below is his most likely starting XI for the trip to Lisbon...

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Ronald Araujo
Araujo has started the season well / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - There is a lot wrong with Barcelona right now. At least in Ter Stegen they have a reliable stopper, who should remain their number one for many years to come.

Oscar Mingueza (RB) - Barcelona's slightly ridiculous injury list will force them to reshuffle the backline and once again Mingueza is likely to fill in at right-back. He has been solid, if unsensational, when called upon so far.

Gerard Pique (CB) - Pique is starting to show his age, but he still has a big Champions League performance in him. The veteran will be hoping that he is not too busy on Wednesday night.

Ronald Araujo (CB) - Araujo is fast becoming a hero at the Camp Nou. There has been some poor performances from Barcelona players this season, but the centre-back has never shirked his responsibilities. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and the culers love him for it.

Sergino Dest (LB) - Dest is more comfortable on the right side but injuries to Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde means the USMNT star will have to fill in on the left.

2. Midfielders

Pablo Martin Paez Gavi
Gavi may be handed a first European start / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Gavi (CM) - Pedri is nearing a return but as he is so vital to Barcelona's fortunes this season, he is unlikely to be risked from the off here. As a result, expect to see fellow young gun Gavi handed a maiden Champions League start.

Sergio Busquets (CM) - Gavi would have grown up watching Sergio Busquets exploits in the early 2010s - which is a strange thought. The pair should play together on Wednesday night.

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - De Jong should be fresh after missing out on Barça's 3-0 win over Levante through suspension. When he's on form, few midfielders in Europe are more creative.

3. Forwards

Memphis Depay
Memphis struggled against Bayern / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Philippe Coutinho (RW) - With Ansu Fati returning to bench on Sunday - and even scoring - Coutinho's days in the starting XI are numbered. Koeman will not want to rush back Fati though, so the Brazilian's place should be safe for one more week at least.

Luuk de Jong (ST) - A goal against Levante at the weekend will have done wonders for De Jong's confidence. As long as Barcelona play to his strengths he's not that bad either.

Memphis Depay (LW) - There is a lot of pressure on Memphis to perform this season. Getting off the mark for his new club in Europe on Wednesday would be helpful.

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