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Aubameyang to start? - How Barcelona could line up against Napoli

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to make his first start for Barcelona in the Europa League this week

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be hoping to make his first start for Barcelona on Thursday when the Blaugrana face Napoli in the Europa League knockout round play-off.

This will be Barcelona's first time ever playing in the competition following their disappointing Champions League campaign which saw them finish third in a group alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv.

Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman earlier this season and recognised the need for an improved forward line which is what led to the acquisitions of Aubameyang, Adama Traore and Ferran Torres in the January transfer window.

FOOTBALLTRANSFERS' MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

Aubemeyang has already featured twice for Barca but both appearances have came off the bench, so he is in line for a first start versus Napoli.

Ronald Araujo, Samuel Umtiti, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto Alejandro Balde and Clement Lenglet will all miss out, while there are still some concerns over the fitness of Memphis Depay.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal behind a back four of Sergino Dest, Gerard Pique, Eric Garcia and Jordi Alba.

Dani Alves is unavailable after not being selected in the Europe League squad.

The midfield three of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will likely continue.

Youngster Gavi might drop out of the forward line to accommodate Aubameyang, with Traore and Torres supporting from the wings.

Predicted Barcelona XI versus Napoli

Recent Ratings

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VS
74
Napoli
  Average Match Rating  
6.8
  Home  
6.6
7.1
  Away  
6.6
6.9
  Total  
6.6

Match statistics

Barcelona
Statistics
Napoli
Games Played
20
20
 
Results
 
Wins
8
10
Draws
7
4
Losses
5
6
 
Goals Scoring
 
Goals Scored
30
37
Goals Per Game
1.50
1.85
More > 2.5 Goals
10
10
More > 3 Goals
8
8
Scored First in a Match
11
13
Scored Both Halves
6
8
Won More > 1 Goal
2
6
 
Other
 
Goals Conceded
27
24
Did Not Score
4
2
Both Teams Scored
12
11
Kept Clean Sheet
5
7
Won Without Conceding
4
7
Games Played
20
20
 
Possession
 
Touches
758
758
Possession
62
59
Passes
566
591
 
Attacking
 
Total Shots
14
17
Shots on Target
4.30
5.55
Goals out of Shots
0.12
0.12
Crosses
18
13
Offsides
2.80
1.73
Penalties
0.10
0.35
 
Defensive
 
Clean Sheets
0.25
0.35
Tackles Won
7.54
7.23
Clearances
13
13
Interceptions
10
8.08
Own Goals
0.00
0.05
Aerials Won
15
10
Total Shots Conceded
10
11
Shots on Target Conceded
3.40
3.84
Goals out of Shots Conceded
0.14
0.14
 
Discipline
 
Fouls
15
14
Yellow Cards
2.30
1.50
Red Cards
0.05
0.10