Barcelona got back to winning ways in La Liga with a dominating 5-0 victory over Sporting Gijon last weekend and with Real Madrid also dropping points, Luis Enrique’s men have been able to close down the gap at the top of the table.
Now Barcelona focus their attention to the Champions League and following a 7-0 drubbing of Celtic during the last game week, the Catalan giants will be looking to continue their fine run in the competition with another victory during a clash against German side Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday.
Here is the strongest possible Barcelona lineup for the clash against Borussia Monchengladbach –
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen had very little to do during the clash against Sporting Gijon during the weekend but one can certainly expect the German international to be a lot busier against Monchengladbach on Wednesday night.
Monchengladbach possess a strong attacking lineup and ter Stegen will most certainly have to perform very well in order to keep a clean sheet during the encounter.
Defence
Samuel Umtiti is still struggling with injury at the moment and it was Jeremy Mathieu who replaced the Frenchman in the starting lineup against Sporting on Saturday.
While Mathieu did a good job on the night, it is expected that he will be making way for Javier Mascherano at centre back for the game in midweek.
Gerard Pique is certain to be partnering Mascherano while Jordi Alba should also return to start following his rest during the weekend. Sergi Roberto looks like the first choice right-back for Barcelona this season and he will also retain his place in the lineup.
Midfield
Andre Gomes and Arda Turan started in midfield on Saturday but the two players are expected to drop out in midweek, in order to facilitate the return of key duo Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta into the starting lineup.
Sergio Busquets looks certain to start as well and it goes without saying that the midfield trio will prove to be crucial if Barcelona are to claim a victory on the night.
Attack
Barcelona were dealt with an injury blow to Lionel Messi last week but they certainly did not miss the Argentine magician against Sporting as the Catalans managed to score five.
Neymar and Luis Suarez were inevitably on the score sheet during the encounter and with Rafinha set to continue in the place of Messi, the dangerous attack will look to breach the Monchengladbach backline as well.
