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Pique And Iniesta Out, Gomes In – Strongest 4-3-3 Barcelona Line-up To Face Olympiacos

Predicted Barcelona Line-up To Face Olypiacos In The Champions League

Barcelona made history this weekend by managing the greatest start record to a La Liga campaign. Winning 9 out of 10 and drawing 1, Barcelona have scored 28 and conceded only 3 goals in the process. Barcelona meet Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona and Olympiakos met two weeks ago at the Camp Nou as Barcelona ran out 3-1 winners on the night thanks to a brace from the brilliant Lionel Messi. They did so without Gerard Pique for the entirety of the second-half.

Barcelona never really even had to kick it into high gear the last time they traveled away from home in the group, so this time, they will want to do much better than they did against Sporting. They should have little issues doing so, even with the shuffling around of players.

Team News

Gerard Pique is suspended for the match having picked up a red card in the previous game against the Greek side. Ousmane Dembele, Arda Turan and Rafinha are out injured.

Manager: Ernesto Valverde

Formation: 4-3-3

Line-up:

Marc Andre ter Stegen (GK)

The German goalkeeper had another impressive display against Athletic and is one of Europe’s best goalkeepers.

Sergi Roberto (RB)

It’s still a mystery as to why Roberto is being played at right-back when he is clearly a far superior midfielder, also considering the fact that Barca have a proper right back in Semedo.

Sergi Roberto

Javier Mascherano (CB)

The Argentine missed Barcelona’s weekend game against Bilbao due to fever but is back available again and should start this game.

Samuel Umtiti (CB)

Umtiti has been the best centre-back for Barcelona this season and had another spectacular match against Athletic Bilbao.

Jordi Alba (LB)

Alba assisted the first goal to Leo against Athletic Bilbao and should get to start this game.

Sergio Busquets (CDM)

Busquets is an ever-present in this Barcelona team and is a sure starter in central midfield.

Paulinho (CM)

Paulinho has had a tremendous start to his Barcelona career and has made his mark among the fans. He also scored this weekend.

Paulinho

Ivan Rakitic (CAM)

Rakitic is still having a purple patch and should be dropped in favour of Denis Suarez. But considering Valverde’s erratic selections, Rakitic might start.

Gerard Deulofeu (RW)

Deulofeu created all kinds of problems for Olympiacos in the previous fixture and should receive the nod again.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi (CF)

Lionel Messi is back to his freakish goal scoring mode this season and is expected to make his mark at the Karaiskakis.

Luis Suarez (LW)

Suarez hasn’t been half as effective this season as he usually he is and needs to step up big time. This match may be the opportunity to do just that.