Barcelona-Napoli official lineups: predicted scorers, cautioned players and marksmen of the challenge valid for the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Controversy, misplaced externals and gut statements: all in oblivion. Barcelona and Napoli will finally let the field do the talking in a challenge that promises to be of vital importance for the continuation of the two teams’ season. Struggling with several problems on and off the field, Xavi and Calzona’s men will do battle in a challenge with not exactly irrelevant technical content. Let’s take a look at the choices of the two coaches:
BARCELONA (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araujo, Cubarsì, Cancelo; Fermin Lopez, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
NAPOLI (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Mario Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Traoré; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Barcelona-Napoli, the scorers prediction
In soccer there are categories, and in the two teams play two footballers who objectively are capable of turning matches upside down from one moment to the next. We are of course referring to Lewandowski and Osimhen, not surprisingly scoring in the first leg. The two teams cannot do without the plays of their star players. The feeling is that especially the Polish bomber may prove decisive with a conclusion of his own.
As the raptor of the area that he is, the former Bayern could put the Azzurri’s defensive castle in serious trouble. Alternatively, Gundogan’s candidacy should be carefully monitored: sizzling in the first leg match, Xavi’s all-round midfielder could hurt in lights out with a devised insertion. Very dangerous in the “Maradona” challenge from the height of a tactical intelligence of European dimensions, Gundogan has all the makings of at least one goal.
Probable cautions and shooters for Barcelona-Napoli
As already reiterated, there should be no shortage of chances and spectacular plays. The strength and unpredictability of Xavi’s outsides is not new; nor is the lack of verve in terms of scoring. It seems reasonable to think, however, that both Yamal and Raphinha can frame the goal mirror defended by Meret at least once each. On the other side, however, the temptation of the marksman Politano intrigues: from the height of a season in which he has often reported himself among the most sparkling, the Italian outfielder should not fail to make his contribution in terms of offensive production.
By characteristics, Traorè could also carve out space for himself to go to the conclusion. Readjusted as a left halfback, however, the former Sassuolo man will be called upon to play a game of great sacrifice: the risk that he will end up on the match director’s notebook is concrete. Juan Jesus, very disappointing in recent appearances, could also be cautioned. On the other hand, with a beaming Kvara, Calzona’s team is going to exploit especially the potential of the left lane. The Georgian could magnetize several yellow cards at the expense of his markers: Koundé, for example, is in serious danger of ending up in the naughty notebook. Not exactly quick on the first pass, Christensen could also pay duty in the face of Calzona’s offensive department’s flurries: the yellow risk is just around the corner.
