How will Barcelona line up against Juventus?

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Ronald Koeman’s side take on the Serie A champions

Barcelona play their second Champions League group stage game of the new season on Wednesday against Juventus in Turin.

It promises to be a tough test for Ronald Koeman’s side and the visitors will be missing a couple of key players for the trip to Italy.

Let’s look at who might start:

Defence

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There’s no Gerard Pique for Wednesday’s trip after he was sent off last time out in the Champions League in the win over Ferencvaros.

Ronald Araujo will replace the 33-year-old in central defence and partner Clement Lenglet, and there could be more changes in the backline too.

There are a few doubts over Jordi Alba as he only returned from injury against Real Madrid and may not be quite ready to play two games in such a short space of time.

Sergi Roberto could return at right-back if that is the case with Sergino Dest heading back over to the left-back spot.

Midfield

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Sergio Busquets may drop to the bench this one after a real stinker last time out against Real Madrid. Miralem Pjanic started in the first group game against Ferencvaros and would surely relish taking on his former side.

The 30-year-old enjoyed plenty of success with Juve and could thrive back in Turin. Frenkie de Jong is another man who knows what it’s like to win at Juve in the Champions League. He was part of the Ajax team that dumped out the Turin giants back in 2019.

Attack

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Ronald Koeman will have to make changes to his attack with Philippe Coutinho out with a hamstring injury. Antoine Griezmann will be hoping for a recall after starting the last two games on the bench.

Young Pedri was the surprise name in the starting XI for El Clasico, but it remains to be seen if he will keep his place. Francisco Trincao, Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite are all ready and waiting if needed by Koeman.

Possible XI: Neto; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembele, Messi, Ansu; Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Juve? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

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