"Genuinely annoying me with this move now" - Barcelona fans fume as Xavi leaves out star from starting XI against Inter Milan
Barcelona fans are fuming with Xavi Hernandez for omitting left-back Alejandro Balde from the Blaugrana's starting XI against Inter Milan on October 4.
Xavi's men head to the San Siro to face Inter and are looking to get back to winning ways in the Champions League. The Catalan giants lost 2-0 to Bayern Munich last time out.
They know they will most likely be competing with Simone Inzaghi's side and the Bavarians for a spot in the knockout rounds.
Xavi has opted to go with a familiar 4-3-3 formation against the Serie A side, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.
Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, and Marcos Alonso line up in defense.
Xavi's decision to choose Alonso over Balde has drawn the ire of Barcelona fans.
The young Spanish left-back has had an impressive start to the season, making six appearances in La Liga and contributing three assists.
However, Balde is yet to be handed a start in the Champions League. Many are calling for the youngster to be given the opportunity to impress in Europe's premier club competition.
Meanwhile, Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquets are in midfield and will be looking to control the likes of Inter's Nico Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
The prolific Robert Lewandowski starts up top having managed a hat-trick in Barca's 5-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on matchday 1.
He is joined in attack by Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, who will be looking to cause havoc down the wings against Inter's Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco.
Barça XI 
🚨 Barça XI 🚨
#InterBarça | @ChampionsLeague https://t.co/4u7hKSW7j9
Xavi's starting XI has drawn criticism from Barca fans who would have preferred to see Balde start instead of Alonso.
Here are some reactions from Blaugrana supporters on Twitter who have been venting over the young Spaniard's omission:
@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Why exclude balde again?!
I’ll never understand it,boy is the highest assist player in la liga
???@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague What is the problem with using Balde in CL 🤦🏾♂️😩???
@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague I don't understand Xavi's thought process to use Alonso at LB when he has a talented youngsters in Balde... he's genuinely annoying me with this move now🤬
@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Balde has been playing well, why alonso again???? I cant understand Xavi
@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Am not comfortable with this squad. Balde is stronger that Alonso and S Roberto is a midfielder not a defender. He is not better than Alba in defense. All the best nonetheless.
@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Why not Balde? But i believe in Xavi
@FCBarcelona @ChampionsLeague Marcos Alonso should not play Balde is much better in every way right now
The match against Inter is a must-win game for Barcelona
Barcelona need to keep the heat on Bayern, who have just thrashed Plzen 5-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Xavi needs to get back to winning ways against their likely challengers for second spot in group C.
Both Barca and Inter currently sit on three points having both lost to Bayern.
However, Xavi's side can take comfort in the way in which they performed against the Bavarians.
The Blaugrana had more shots (18-13) and were the better side for much of the game which will bode well for them heading into a crucial clash with Inter.
A win for Barcelona is vital as they will be able to cause a setback for Inzaghi's men, who are also eyeing a spot into the knockout rounds.