Alcacer and Pique Start – Predicted Barcelona Line-Up to Face Celta Vigo

Barcelona will be hoping to strengthen their hold on the top spot of La Liga on Saturday, when they take on Celta Vigo at Camp Nou.

Luis Enrique’s side went on top of the standings after thrashing Sporting Gijon 6-1 on Wednesday night, with rivals Real Madrid failing to win at home against Las Palmas. A win on Saturday would see Barcelona hold on to their position in the standings. The Catalans had tasted a 4-3 defeat against Enrique’s former employers in their previous encounter in the Liga back in October, but will be hoping for a better outcome this time around.

Enrique might stick to the 3-4-3 setup that Barcelona have been deploying since the past week. And the return from injury of Javier Mascherano in the defensive line has been a big boost for the Blaugrana. Arda Turan still remains unavailable due to injury and so does Jeremy Mathieu while Aleix Vidal has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Predicted Barcelona line-up to face Celta Vigo

Formation: 3-4-3

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (GK)

The German is the undisputed No.1 for Barca and will start the game against Celta in the goal ahead of the summer signing Jasper Cillessen.

Javier Mascherano (CB)

The Argentine international returned to the playing XI against Sporting Gijon post his injury and Barcelona looked much better with him at the back. Expect him to feature on the right-side of the three-man defence.

Gerard Pique (CB)

The controversial Spanish defender was left on the bench for the midweek fixture. We believe he will walk into the game in place of Jordi Alba.

Samuel Umtiti (CB)

Should hold onto his place on the left-side of the three at the back. He is putting in better displays by the minute and could soon become a mainstay at the back for Barcelona.

Andre Gomes (DM)

The Portuguese will come in to line up and operate as the deepest of the midfielders as we expect that Sergio Busquets will most likely be rested with the Paris-Saint Germain game in mind.

Sergi Roberto (RCM)

Ivan Rakitic scored a goal against Sporting on Wednesday night, but we expect the Spaniard to take his place for Saturday’s clash, keeping in mind the upcoming European fixture.

Andres Iniesta (LCM)

Did not start the midweek fixture, but we expect the legendary Spaniard to play from the start on Saturday ahead of Denis Suarez.

Lionel Messi (CAM)

The Argentine talisman looks like he is enjoying the free role in the No.10 position since the switch in tactics. Enrique will want him to continue his goal-scoring form and will hand him a start on Saturday.

Rafinha (RW)

The Brazilian youth international has made the position on the right-flank his own in recent weeks. And with Arda Turan unavailable, he should once again feature from the kick-off.

Neymar (LW)

Got himself on the scoresheet on Wednesday against Sporting. Has been one of Barcelona’s better players in recent weeks and should start on the left-flank.

Paco Alcacer (ST)

The much-maligned Spaniard scored a goal after coming on as a substitute against Sporting. We expect him to feature from the get-go, ahead of Luis Suarez who could be given a day off ahead of the Champions League game.