The UEFA Champions League is back, and one of the most interesting matches on the way is FC Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp F.C. Both teams have had mixed starts to their respective national campaigns, but this match will set the tone for their European journey. This article digs deep into the FC Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp F.C. lineups, predictions, team news, and more.
FC Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp F.C. Lineups
Predicted FC Barcelona Lineup
FC Barcelona is highly known for the type of football that plays a lot by maintaining possession. Under the coach, Xavi Hernández, the team continues to bet on its proud playing history while intertwining it with experience and youth.
- Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
- Right-Back: João Cancelo
- Centre-Back: Jules Koundé
- Centre-Back: Andreas Christensen
- Left-Back: Alejandro Balde
- Central Midfield: Frenkie de Jong
- Central Midfield: Ilkay Gündoğan
- Attacking Midfield: Pedri
- Right-Wing: Raphinha
- Left-Wing: Lamine Yamal
- Striker: Robert Lewandowski
As a counter to that, Xavi is likely to bet big on the creative midfield trio of De Jong, Gündoğan, and Pedri in order to look at ways of finding holes to breach through the defensive line of Royal Antwerp. Lewandowski shall be the man leading the front.
Royal Antwerp F.C. Predicted Lineup
On the other hand, Royal Antwerp F.C., the Belgian champions, would not match up to the glittering crop of stars on display at Barcelona but have enough tactical acumen to cause an upset. Their trainer Mark van Bommel is expected to play a very defensive attacking game.
- Goalkeeper: Jean Butez
- Right-Back: Jelle Bataille
- Center-Back: Toby Alderweireld
- Center-Back: Ritchie De Laet
- Left-Back: Sam Vines
- Central Midfield: Arthur Vermeeren
- Central Midfield: Mandela Keita
- Right-Wing: Arbnor Muja
- Attacking Midfield: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp
- Left-Wing: Michel-Ange Balikwisha
- Striker: Vincent Janssen
Alderweireld and De Laet must be waiting for some such occurrence as to prove their experience of keeping quiet Lewandowski. The two wingers, Muja, and Balikwisha will be looking to trouble the wide open spaces left by the attacking full-backs of Barcelona.
Prediction for FC Barcelona vs Royal Antwerp F.C.
Given the difference in squad depth and experience, especially in Europe, it would indeed be Barcelona to be favorites for this game. This would be played at the Spotify Camp Nou, and their hold on the ball may prove too much to handle for the restlessness of Antwerp, who may play deep on defense.
Match Prediction:
- FC Barcelona 3-1 Royal Antwerp F.C.
Barcelona is expected to score more than once from the attack led by Lewandowski and the creative midfield. Antwerp could sneak in a goal because they are going to capitalize on Barcelona’s potential overcommitting in the attack led by Janssen.
Team News: FC Barcelona
Barcelona is bang in form despite some key injuries. Xavi has tried out quite a lot in his team, and although Pedri is finding himself wanting due to fitness, midfield newcomers Gavi have filled the gaps well. But Ousmane Dembélé’s absence has been a blow on the wings as Lamine Yamal has filled it nicely.
- Injuries: Pedri (Hamstring), Ronald Araújo (Thigh)
- Suspensions: None
- Key Injuries: It can be argued that any injuries coming into this match could swing it dramatically. However, key to our team starting are Frenkie de Jong who is fit again, playing in midfield, setting the pace.
The balance of the side under Xavi with youngsters coming into the team as well as Lewandowski and the even more seasoned players guiding them have brought stability at this level of the attack. Defense at the back will be expected from Koundé and Christensen, but running wide of Cancelo and Balde should keep the Antwerp back-line stretched.
Team News: Royal Antwerp F.C.
This Royal Antwerp fixture sees them come into this game with a fully-fit squad. Veteran defender Toby Alderweireld has been the player under the spotlights so far, taking charge of the defense with confidence. Upfront, Vincent Janssen has been a revelation, converting crucial chances in domestic competition.
- Injuries: None
- Suspensions: None
- Key Players: Toby Alderweireld (captain), Vincent Janssen (Striker)
The main game-changer will be the defense of Antwerp. Playing for Alderweireld with a wealth of experience in Premier League and international football, might withstand the pressure of Barcelona. But the midfield, marshaled by young Arthur Vermeeren, has to hold tight in following up on every ball Barcelona strikes into midfield in open play, when they unleash their attack-minded playmakers.
Key Battles to Watch
Robert Lewandowski vs Toby Alderweireld
Lewandowski- Antwerp striker against Alderweireld, Barcelona’s goal-scoring machine, will face off against their defensive leader. Lewandowski is a nightmare for defenders because of his physicality and positioning, while Alderweireld, with his experience, could be good enough to keep the Polish striker in check.
Pedri/Gavi vs Arthur Vermeeren
If Pedri features in the game, then a battle against Arthur Vermeeren will likely be the key in midfield. Pedri’s acceleration and creativity may prove to be the pass that opens Antwerp for a counterattack, and Vermeeren will have to break Barcelona’s waves and spark counters.
Tactical Analysis
Barcelona’s Strategy: They are likely to perform an intense high press, as they normally do against most teams, meaning the midfielders have to control the game. Full backs, including João Cancelo, will have to push forward to create width and provide overlaps. Xavi will rely on technical capacity to break the defensive lines for Antwerp.
Antwerp Approach: On the other hand, Antwerp will rely on a tight defensive formation. In attack, they have a 4-2-3-1 setup, which changes to a 4-4-2 in defense. The Belgian champions will just keep space between the lines and intercept Barcelona on the counter through speedy wingers and hold-up player Janssen.
Match Preview and Importance
One game can bring huge benefits to both participating teams involved in this match of the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona will have the chance to get back to being one of the best European teams again, something they were not able to do in the last few seasons. The match is something in which Royal Antwerp can show that, against the biggest teams in Europe, they can take on the challenge.
A Barcelona win will give them the edge of a good group stage while, Royal Antwerp will have something to learn from this game irrespective of its outcome.
Final Thoughts
This would be a real battle of nerves because FC Barcelona is likely to dominate possession in this game, and Royal Antwerp F.C. is going to maintain solidity at the back. But such an attack that can be expected by the above team is going to be on the field, while the experience and tactical discipline from Antwerp are good enough to remain competitive.
This is another tight match that will put the teams to the test not just in their ambitions to qualify for the Champions League, but how they handle the style of play put forth by their opponents. There is much to look forward to, lots of goals, brilliant tactical battles, and some individual brilliance.
Also read about: Aberdeen F.C. vs St. Mirren Lineups, Prediction, Team News, and More
