The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Dynamo Kyiv
By George Cannon
Barcelona host Dynamo Kyiv in gameweek three of the Champions League as the Catalan giants aim to put a disappointing draw at the weekend behind them.
Ronald Koeman's men are currently on a four-game winless run in La Liga, but the Blaugrana have had no such issues when facing European opposition. Two wins from two games against Hungarian outfit Ferencvarosi and Italian champions Juventus have left them top of Group G with maximum points.
Wednesday's opponents are leading the way in the Ukrainian Premier League but have only picked up a solitary point on the continent so far and have been decimated by a coronavirus outbreak within the squad in the build-up to this one.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Neto (GK) - Regular number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still suffering with an injury so Brazilian shot-stopper Neto will continue between the sticks.
Sergino Dest (RB) - The 20-year-old summer signing from Ajax is likely to come into the starting XI for this one.
Gerard Pique (CB) - Pique has served a one-match suspension after being sent off against Ferencvarosi in the opening game in Group G and will resume his usual place in the heart of the defence.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - The Frenchman has become an integral part of the Blaugrana defence over the last few seasons and, with the injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo, the former Sevilla man will not be afforded a rest.
Jordi Alba (LB) - Junior Firpo has struggled since making the move to Camp Nou and Koeman clearly doesn't trust him, so the experienced Alba will start once again.
2. Midfielders
Miralem Pjanic (CM) - After making a shock switch to Barça in the summer, Pjanic has settled into life in Spain quite well, starting the two previous Champions League encounters for his new side.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) - The Dutchman was expected to be one of the greatest beneficiaries from his countryman's appointment as the new manager, but still hasn't quite found his best form in a Barcelona shirt.
Pedri (AM) - Everyone knows about Ansu Fati, but Barcelona also possess another teenage sensation. Pedri has been catching the eye with his performances in 2020/21 and is certainly one to watch for the future.
3. Forwards
Francisco Trincao (RW) - The 20-year-old Portuguese winger could be set for his second start of the season when Kyiv visit in midweek.
Antoine Griezmann (ST) - Griezmann scored his first league goal of the new campaign at the weekend and will be hoping to build on that on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi (LW) - Messi may have struggled in the league so far this season, but the little magician has been at his scintillating best in Europe's elite cup competition.
