Dynamo only have 13 players available for this match after 9 of their players tested positive for covid-19 (plus three injuries and one suspension)
Wow! Amazing that the match is still going ahead. And a little worrisome that those that remain might pass it on to Barca players. Unless these 9 players were diagnosed a while ago(?)
I think something like 12 first teamers is the minimum required to still play the game, but I don't know what happens if you have less? Is game delayed (and how does that work with the very full calendar) or is it forfeited? Glad they have enough first teamers in any event, and we should not underestimate what those players and their B teamers can do (see what Shaktar did in Madrid in similar situation).
I think it initially gets postponed but there is a deadline for when it has to be played. What I don't understand is, what is the incentive for the other team (the one without the Covid issue) to shuffle around their domestic schedule so that they can fit in the CL game? Won't be ideal for Barca if they would have to postpone another La Liga match and be sitting with 3 fewer games played than their league rivals. Anyway, Dynamo have enough players so won't come to that.
Bench: Neto, Iñaki Peña, Junior, Lenglet, Sergi Roberto, Aleñá, Riqui Puig, Trincao, Braithwaite, Dembélé
Looks good ... I’d prefer to see Trincao instead of Greizman ..but maybe this will be a turning point for Greiz
Frenkie played there last time. kind of reminded me of when Koeman himself used to play and would often push up into midfield to form Cruyff's favourite 3-1-2-1-3 formation and then drop back when defending to the regular 4-2-3-1. attack: ---Fati---Griezmann---Pedri--- --------------Messi----------------- -------Busquets---Pjanic-------- -------------DeJong---------------- --Alba------Pique------Dest----- -----------TerStegen-------------- defend: ----------Griezmann------------- ---Fati------Messi------Pedri--- -------Busquets---Pjanic-------- --Alba--DeJong--Pique--Dest-- -----------TerStegen-------------- it's a brave move from Koeman and given our lack of cover at CB, it's worth a try. looks good on paper at least, and if it works out it could potentially solve two problems with one move: 1- adds depth to the back line and 2- makes space in an overcrowded midfield for Alena/Puig to step up
I don’t think it will work. Frenkie has played CB at Ajax before when they were running thin due to injuries. He did decent vs the easier teams but against better teams he got exposed. He’s simply not a CB imo. Let’s see how it pans out though, you never know.
Getting real tired of these experimental line-ups tbh. Griezmann has been given enough opportunities, relegate him to the bench already. Frenkie belongs in midfield. Pjanic and Busquets in midfield just cries slowness and lack of urgency/aggressiveness.