90min

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Viktoria Plzen - Champions League

By Tom Gott

Barcelona have failed to qualify already
Barcelona have failed to qualify already / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
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Barcelona will be put out of their Champions League misery on Tuesday as they travel for a dead rubber against Viktoria Plzen.

Having already failed to qualify for the knockout stages, Barcelona have secured third place and the Europa League spot that comes with it, so there is nothing other than pride on the line in this one.

Here's how Xavi could set up.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Viktoria Plzen (4-3-3)

Gerard Pique
Pique was stunned to get a game / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Ter Stegen won't be expecting a busy night here.

RB: Hector Bellerin - Barcelona's injury crisis has worsened, leaving Bellerin as the only natural right-back in the squad.

CB: Gerard Pique - Pique is so far down the pecking order that he didn't even have his boots on when he was called on as an emergency sub at the weekend. With Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde joining Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen on the treatment table, he'll have plenty of time to prepare here.

CB: Marcos Alonso - Alonso isn't even a centre-back but still came on ahead of Pique against Valencia.

LB: Alejandro Balde - Balde deserves to be the starter at left-back but, with Jordi Alba and Alex Valle on the bench, there could be some rotation in this game.

DM: Franck Kessie - Sergio Busquets is suspended so this may be a good chance for Kessie to get some significant minutes.

CM: Gavi - Young Gavi brought real energy to Barcelona's team when he came off the bench against Valencia and deserves another start.

CM: Pedri - There's a chance Pedri gets a rest here but Xavi may ask the youngster to get Barcelona ahead before subbing him off.

RW: Raphinha - Raphinha has been struggling of late and could use a massive performance here to boost his confidence.

ST: Ferran Torres - With Robert Lewandowski left at home and Memphis Depay out injured, expect Ferran to take the central starting role.

LW: Ansu Fati - Questions have been asked about Fati's future in recent weeks and the teenager would love a goal or two here to raise the mood.

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