The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Dynamo Kyiv
Things are not exactly rosy for Barcelona domestically at the moment - their star player is either disinterested, in decline, or both, they're 12th in La Liga and they have lost to both Madrid clubs in humiliating fashion.
The one area in which life is looking good is in Europe, where they've taken nine points from nine ahead of their Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine, a game that they're feeling so chill about that they've decided to leave some of their best players at home.
It's a bold strategy - especially as Juventus are hot on their heels in Group G and have the incentive of a more favourable round of 16 draw as their motivation to take advantage of any slip-up from Barca - but if it restores some mileage to the legs of players who have quite literally been all around the world over the last fortnight, it could pay off.
But with Ronald Koeman shuffling the deck, and all sorts of injuries hampering the squad, what sort of side could we see? Great question, and one that 90min have the answers for with the Barcelona lineup that should face Dynamo Kyiv...
1. Goalkeepers and Defenders
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - As long as he keeps his legs closed and doesn't try and meet onrushing forwards at the halfway line, this match should be a lot better for ter Stegen than Barcelona's 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Sergino Dest (RB) - The man who Messi put on media duties after Barcelona's Clasico defeat will be aiming for the right sort of limelight now, with Sergi Roberto's injury giving him a big opportunity to put himself in Koeman's thoughts for a permanent place.
Oscar Mingueza (CB) - 'Who?' I hear you ask. Well, with Gerard Pique out for quite some time with ligament damage and Frenkie de Jong (the previous emergency centre-back, would you believe) being rested, Mingueza is likely to be promoted from Barcelona B to fill the void.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - If it's any consolation to Barcelona fans, Lenglet has been having a very solid year for club and county! (It probably isn't any consolation, they're 12th and Messi looks knackered)
Jordi Alba (LB) - One of the last remnants of Barcelona's previous Golden Era, it's still quite difficult to see who displaces Alba in this Barcelona team at the age of 31, which is either a testament to his quality or quite a worrying sign.
2. Midfielders
Miralem Pjanic (CM) - Probably the most obvious replacement for the injured Sergio Busquets in the Barcelona midfield, although with the way Arthur has been playing for Juventus recently, they might have swapped away their ideal replacement for the Spaniard.
Philippe Coutinho (CAM) - With Messi left at home for some much needed R&R, Koeman is likely to pick the man who helped unceremoniously dump him out of the Champions League as a stand-in against Kyiv. Prepare for lots of shots from 30 yards out.
Carles Alena (CM) - He might not be Riqui Puig, but Barcelona fans will never pass up a youngster getting some minutes in the squad. A good ball-carrier who should be a pair of safe hands in Ukraine.
3. Forwards
Ousmane Dembele (RW) - Irrespective of the issues at Barcelona right now, it's a real joy to see this man starting and scoring again.
Antoine Griezmann (ST) - Watching Griezmann for Barcelona now, it's difficult to believe that for many years with Atletico he represented a guaranteed 20 goals per season. Perhaps a low stakes game like this could be of much use to him.
Pedri (LW) - Dest was the media man against Real and the 17-year-old Pedri was who Messi, ter Stegen, Alba and co. delegated as spokesman against Atletico. The former Las Palmas man seems more than ready for a bit of responsibility, however, and has seriously impressed with his skill - as well as his readiness to engage in a little jab at Real Madrid for missing out on him.