Barcelona predicted lineup vs Galatasaray - Europa League
By Max Parsons
Barcelona turn their attention to Europa League football on Thursday night, hosting Galatasaray in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
Xavi's team are in fine fettle at the moment, heading into this midweek battle with six wins in their previous eight across all competitions, winning their last four and scoring 14 in the process.
Those four consecutive victories include the second leg of their round of 32 encounter with Napoli, in which they blew the Italian outfit away courtesy of a phenomenal 4-2 triumph - securing a 5-3 aggregate win.
Thursday night brings with it a meeting with a severely disappointing Galatasaray side, that has lost seven in its previous 11 in all competitions, winning just twice in that time.
Here's how Barcelona could shape up...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - Starting to show signs of his undoubted quality and, while Barca continue to thrive under Xavi, you'd imagine he will too.
Sergino Dest (RB) - Dani Alves remains ineligible for European competition, opening the door for Dest.
Ronald Araujo (CB) - Fast becoming a favourite at the club, Araujo should be set for a fifth consecutive start in all competitions.
Gerard Pique (CB) - Consistently putting in performances of a leader, Pique is a crucial presence within the side.
Jordi Alba (LB) - In brilliant form at the moment, Alba is seriously rolling back the years.
2. Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (DM) - Only a one-match suspension has prevented the skipper from featuring in all of Barcelona's fixtures this term - a true stalwart that keeps on performing.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) - Was absolutely magical in the second leg against Napoli, and will hope to recapture that form rather than his underwhelming showing against Elche last time out.
Pedri (CM) - The most talented footballer on the planet according to his manager, the starlet has only been kept out of Xavi's Barca side through injury.
3. Forwards
Adama Traore (RW) - Has shared this spot with Ousmane Dembele very recently but should get the nod for this one, after proving untouchable against Napoli in the last round.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) - Really enjoying his football at the moment, having scored five in his previous four outings.
Ferran Torres (LW) - Has proven incredibly wasteful in front of goal recently but is still scoring and, with Gavi suspended, should certainly return to the starting XI.