Barcelona vs Napoli match preview: Possible lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

Date and Time: 17th February, 6:45 PM CET
Venue: Camp Nou
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Referee: Istvan Kovacs

Overview

For the first time in over a decade, FC Barcelona crashed out of the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. The Catalans finished third in their group, with Bayern Munich and Benfica taking the top two spots.

Now, the quest for the Europa League trophy begins. Though not as coveted as the first tier European competition, it is Barcelona’s only realistic chance of tasting silverware this season. There is little doubt that the competition will now be one of the primary objectives for Xavi’s team.

The first and likely the most difficult opposition that the Blaugranas face is Napoli. The Italians have been unstoppable under Luciano Spalletti this season and sit seven points clear of fourth-placed Juventus.

Defensively, the Italians have been perfect without any compromise in the quality of the attack.

When the Blaugranas were last at Camp Nou, they annihilated Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid ruthlessly. The performance won praise from across the world and was widely called the resurgence of Xavi’s Barcelona.

However, it was very close to being undone in Cornella. The visitors took an early lead against Espanyol before being pegged back by two lethal counterattacks. Against the run of play, Barcelona came painfully close to losing the derby. It was only a Luuk de Jong goal in the last minute that secured a point on the night.

Napoli stands next on the fixture list, and Xavi is likely to stick to the same core of players for the Europa League clash.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal on the night. The German has conceded four goals in the last two games and will be determined to keep a clean sheet once again.

Barcelona suffered a big setback when Ronald Araujo suffered a Soleus injury late in the first half on Sunday. Though the Uruguayan is willing to push himself to play, Xavi would rather rest the defender than risk a bigger injury. In his absence, the pairing of Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia is expected to start.

Dani Alves is not registered for the Europa League and will not be able to play any part in the proceedings. Naturally, one would expect Sergino Dest to take over duties at right-back. On the left of defence, Jordi Alba is likely to resume duties.

Xavi is spoilt for options in midfield once again. The abundance of talent in the squad cannot be done justice with just three midfield positions. For the crucial fixture, the trio of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri is expected to start.

While Pedri and Busquets are indispensable to Xavi’s plans, de Jong can provide defensive cover better than other options.

For the last two games, the manager has opted to deploy Gavi on the left wing. The teenager adapted seamlessly and made the position his own. Against Napoli, the 17-year-old will probably continue in that role.

Ferran Torres and Adama Traore will be the central striker and right winger on Thursday, in all likelihood. The winter signings have made their mark clear at Barcelona and cannot be benched at this point.

Probable Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Garcia, Pique, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, de Jong; Adama, Torres, Gavi

Match facts

Barcelona previous games: DWWLL

Napoli previous games: DWWWL

Head-to-head record

Prediction

The Catalans dropped two points in their last game despite dominating proceedings, and the feeling of injustice will push them harder than ever before. Napoli will likely score on the counter, but Xavi’s side can come out with a win on the night. The home ground advantage will push Barcelona to get a favourable result on Thursday.

Barca Universal prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Napoli

Barcelona vs Napoli match preview: Possible lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

Overview

Match facts

Head-to-head record

Prediction

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