How will Barcelona line up against Benfica?

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The Catalans are in Portugal for Matchday 2

Barcelona take on Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday and need a win after opening up with a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou.

Ronald Koeman is still without several key men due to injury but there’s hope Pedri might be fit, while there may be some more minutes off the bench for Ansu Fati.

Let’s look at how they might line up in Portugal.

Defense

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There’s unlikely to be too many changes in defense with Koeman still expected to be without both Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde.

Alba is back in training but is expected to miss out again which means Sergino Dest should continue on the left with Oscar Mingueza on the right.

Ronald Araujo looks set to return in central defense and partner Gerard Pique, although Eric Garcia, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are also options.

Midfield

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Pedri is closing in on a return to action after a thigh injury but it’s not clear if the 18-year-old will be fit enough to go straight back into the starting XI.

Barcelona will be able to call on Frenkie de Jong again after he missed the win over Levante because of his red card in the draw at Cadiz.

Nico Gonzalez and Gavi are both pushing for starts after impressing at the weekend, and Riqui Puig will be hoping for his first Champions League minutes in 2021-22.

Attack

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Ansu Fati stole all the headlines at the weekend after his triumphant return but will surely be back on the bench for this one with Barca needing to be careful with the teenager.

Luuk de Jong could continue up front after opening his account last time out, while Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho may also start again.

Injuries mean that Yusuf Demir is the only other real option to feature in attack but could have to settle for a place on the bench once again.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Araujo, Dest; Busquets, Frenkie; Gavi, Coutinho, Memphis; Luuk de Jong.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Benfica? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below.

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