Barcelona predicted lineup vs Shakhtar Donetsk - Champions League
- Barcelona are closing in on qualification for the Champions League knockout stages
- Barca have won all three group games so far
- Xavi's squad is getting healthier with Pedri returning to action at the weekend
Barcelona are on the brink of a place in the Champions League round of 16, and victory away to Shakhtar Donetsk will secure their spot.
Success in this competition is paramount for Barca given their financial turmoil, and it looks as if Xavi Hernandez will finally lead his side into the knockouts following back-to-back group stage exits.
The Spanish champions have made full use of a kind draw and have maintained a 100% record at the halfway mark. Up next for Barcelona is a trip to Hamburg as they face Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk two weeks after their 2-1 victory in Catalonia.
Xavi's squad is slowly getting healthier, although the boss still has a couple of injury absences. Here's the starting lineup he could pick for Tuesday's game.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3)
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Ter Stegen was at his very best on Saturday against Real Sociedad, with the German's six saves laying the foundations for their late victory.
RB: Joao Cancelo - Xavi's utilisation of Cancelo has been intriguing, and he was used in a wing-back role on Saturday. The boss should return to a back four on Tuesday, although his demands of Cancelo shouldn't alter too much.
CB: Ronald Araujo - Araujo was the hero in San Sebastian as he scored the late winner that was eventually awarded following a lengthy VAR check. The defender is returning to his best form following an injury absence.
CB: Jules Kounde - Kounde and Araujo are Barcelona's best two centre-backs, yet it seems as if we've rarely seen them deployed at the heart of defence together.
LB: Alejandro Balde - The excellent young left-back is one of the best in the world at his position already. A shoo-in.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan - Last season's Champions League-winning captain made plenty of headlines for his post-Clasico comments, but those words won't affect his playing time. Gundogan could be used in a deeper midfield position on Tuesday.
CM: Gavi - The tenacious Spaniard was superb in El Clasico and is an imperative figure in Xavi's midfield. Gavi was suspended for the reverse fixture.
CM: Fermin Lopez - Pedri returned to action with a 35-minute cameo on Saturday and will soon be ready to return to the starting XI. However, Fermin could retain his place on Tuesday given that he starred against Shakhtar last time out.
RW: Raphinha - The Brazilian has made a pair of substitute appearances since returning from injury, and should be ready for a start in midweek.
ST: Robert Lewandowski - Lewandowski's performances on either side of his injury should be of some concern. Nevertheless, the prolific striker is not going to lose his place in the team just yet.
LW: Joao Felix - Things have quietened down for Felix after a majestic start to his Barcelona career. Still, he's Xavi's best option for this role.
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