
These are the Chelsea vs Barcelona confirmed lineups for their UEFA Champions League group stage outing. The two teams have dropped points so far in the league phase and are in need of a win to keep pace with the top grouping. While both are likely to go through to the next stage regardless, the top few teams getting to avoid a two-match playoff will be crucial to managing fatigue at a crucial time of the campaign. It’s two similar ideologies going head to head as Enzo Maresca faces one of Europe’s elite teams and most well-known managers.
Rob Sanchez starts in goal with a back line of Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. Reece James is in midfield with Moises Caicedo. Estevao, Alejdandro Garnacho, and Enzo Fernandez support Pedro Neto as the striker.
A slightly avante garde setup from Maresca here with all guns blazing on pace. Neto gets the nod as the striker (at least seemingly) to combat the high line with the speed and energy of the wingers being complimented by Enzo’s passing. James and Caicedo form a solid pivot that likely will sit deeper and focus on the ball retention and bypassing the press.
Joan Garcia starts in goal with Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde in the back line. Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong form the likely midfield trio. Robert Lewandowski is up front with Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
A 4-3-3 from the looks of things with a few changes as Cubarsi gets a new partner to allow Garcia to push up into the midfield.
(Both squads via UEFA site)
Stay tuned for the Chelsea vs Barcelona confirmed lineups.
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