Barcelona will clash against strugglers Sporting Gijon in Round 25 of the Spanish La Liga on Wednesday night at the Camp Nou.
The last year’s Liga winners earned a hard-fought victory last time around against rivals Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon, with talisman Lionel Messi once again coming to their rescue and Luis Enrique will be hoping his team show similar attitude and fight in the midweek clash. A win on Wednesday would send Barcelona to the top of the league standings, at least temporarily, with leaders Real Madrid scheduled to play late on Wednesday.
The weekend saw Enrique try a new tactical setup against Atletico, with Barcelona playing in a 3-4-3 formation, which wasn’t that convincing and as a result, we could see the Catalans switch back to a familiar four-man defence, especially now that they have lost another centre-back to injury after Jeremy Mathieu sprained an ankle. He won’t be available for selection. The Frenchman joins fellow defenders Javier Mascherano and Aleix Vidal on the treatment table, while Arda Turan will also be unavailable.
Here we take a look at how Barcelona will take the pitch on Wednesday:
Formation: 4-3-3
The German national is the preferred choice ahead of summer signing Jasper Cillesen and will take his rightful spot between the sticks on Wednesday night.
The 25-year old will return to the right-back spot after having a forgetful outing in his natural midfield position against Atletico as Barcelona switched back to a 4-3-3.
The Spanish international has been in the news for the wrong reasons after making comments about rivals Madrid’s results and will look to divert the attention to his displays on the pitch.
The only fit second centre-half option available for Enrique, with Mascherano and Mathieu both out due to injuries. Will partner Pique in the heart of the defence.
The left-back will return to the starting line-up in place of Mathieu with Barcelona likely to switch to a more traditional four-man defence against Gijon.
Busquets will continue to hold on to the role of the anchorman in the middle of the park for the Catalans, despite his struggles this season.
The Brazilian scored Barca’s opener on Sunday against Atletico and should start in the central midfield role come Wednesday.
The veteran midfielder still doesn’t look to be back to his fittest, but his presence in the middle is very crucial for Barcelona and we expect him to start once again against Sporting.
The little magician once again saved the Blaugrana against Atletico, as it has in recent times become the norm. He is a definite starter nevertheless, but he might shift to the right flank after playing in a free central role on Sunday.
Another sure starter, Neymar’s hard work and enterprise on the left is absolutely key for Barcelona and Enrique will expect more from him on Wednesday.
The Uruguayan hasn’t been in the best of form in recent weeks and was found lacking in the weekend fixture as well. He will need to pull his socks up and perform better for Barcelona.
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