FC Barcelona (BAR) will host Galatasaray (GAL) in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League 2021-22 round of 16 clash at Camp Nou on Friday, March 11. The match will kick off at 1:30 AM IST.
Under the tutelage of Xavi, Barcelona defeated Napoli 5-3 on aggregate in the UEFA Europa League playoff round to secure their place in the pre-quarters. The Catalans have been in great form recently and are currently on an eight-match unbeaten streak in all competitions since losing to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey in January. Barcelona head into the fixture after securing a 2-1 win over Elche in the La Liga over the weekend.
On the other hand, Galatasaray qualified for the UEFA Europa League round of 16 this season after topping Group E in Europe’s secondary competition. Domènec Torrent’s side secured three wins and as many draws in the six matches, finishing with 12 points, three points ahead of second-placed Lazio in Group E. The Istanbul-based club head into the Barcelona game after suffering a 0-2 defeat against Konyaspor in the Super Lig on Saturday.
BAR vs GAL Dream11 prediction
FC Barcelona and Galatasaray have faced each other eight times in UEFA tournaments, winning five of the eight matches that they played so far. Galatasaray have secured just a solitary win while two matches have ended in draws. All of the matches were group games of the UEFA Champions League between 1993 and 2002.
Furthermore, Barcelona are undefeated against Galatasaray at home, winning three and playing one stalemate. Going by past record and recent form, BAR are likely to secure a win in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match at Camp Nou on Friday.
BAR vs GAL Dream11 team tips for UEFA Europa League 2021-22
Top tip: Best forward
New recruit Ferran Torres has already made an impressive start to his FC Barcelona career since his move from Premier League side Manchester City. The 22-year-old has scored three goals for Barcelona including converting a penalty against Napoli in the UEFA Europa League. Torres has already accrued 110 fantasy points and will be a great pick for this clash at 9.5 credits.
Top tip: Best midfielder
Netherlands footballer Frenkie de Jong has been in great form for FC Barcelona in the ongoing season. The young midfielder has rediscovered his mojo back under manager Xavi, scoring four goals and providing three assists in all competitions. Having already accumulated 124 fantasy points, Frenkie de Jong will be a valuable addition to any fantasy side for this high-profile encounter.
Top tip: Best defender and goalkeeper
Among defenders, Galatasaray center-back Marcos Teixeira will be a worthy pick for this clash. The 25-year-old Brazilian defender has been rock solid at the back alongside Victor Nelsson, conceding just three goals in six games in the Europa League. Teixeira has already amassed 131 fantasy points - the most by any player in this fixture and will look to add more to his tally against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
For the goalkeeper slot, FC Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will be the preferred choice over his Galatasaray counterpart. The Barcelona custodian has been in great form for the Catalans in their last five matches, helping them secure four wins and one draw. He will once again play a pivotal role against a formidable Galatasaray side on Friday.
BAR vs GAL probable playing XI
BAR playing XI (probable): Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (goalkeeper); Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Sergio Busquets (captain), Frenkie de Jong; Adama Traore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres
GAL playing XI (probable): Inaki Pena (goalkeeper); Omar Elabdellaoui, Marcos Teixeira, Victor Nelsson, Patrick Van Aanholt; Erick Pulgar; Berkan Kutlu; Olimpiu Morutan, Ryan Babel, Kerem Akturkoglu; Mostafa Mohamed
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Featured photo: Pau BARRENA / AFP
