Champions League: Miralem Pjanić said to be in line for first start for Barcelona

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Ronald Koeman’s starting XI revealed?

Ronald Koeman will rotate his team for Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League clash against Ferencváros, with Miralem Pjanić in line to get his first start for the Catalans, according to local media.

After giving Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati some rest in the 1-0 loss against Getafe, the pair are slated to start for the blaugrana, who will be taking on Ferencváros, who come in as heavy underdogs.

The Hungarian club are returning to the Champions League group stage for the second time in history, having previously appeared in the 1995-96 edition. To qualify, they had to defeat some more famous clubs such as Scotland’s Celtic, Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb, and Norway’s Molde.

Sergi Roberto and Antoine Griezmann could be given the day off, although the first priority for Koeman is said to be Busquets. He wants his midfielder rested for the clash against Real Madrid.

Pjanić has been dealing with fitness issues that have kept him from being 100%, which has in turn stopped him from playing as often as perhaps he would’ve otherwise.

If he’s fit, he’s expected to play alongside Frenkie de Jong in midfield. Neto will be in goal, with Clément Lenglet and Gerard Piqué in central defense. If Roberto is rested, Junior Firpo will play left-back with Sergiño Dest on the right.

In attack, Coutinho and Fati could be joined by either Griezmann or Francisco Trincão, accompanied by, of course, Lionel Messi.

Source: barcablaugranes.com