Predicted Barcelona Line-up To Face Villarreal In La Liga
Barcelona will look to get back to winning ways in the La Liga, when they face off against Villarreal away at the Estadio de la Ceramica, on Sunday night.
The Catalans drew both of their last two league games, against Valencia and Celta Vigo, but come into the game on the back of a 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League during the midweek. They remain at the top of the La Liga table, 5 points ahead of second-placed Valencia, and manager Ernesto Valverde will want to keep the comfort levels intact with a win on Sunday.
Team News
Defender Samuel Umtiti is ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury, along with fellow centre-back Javier Mascherano. Andres Iniesta is also a slight doubt for the game due to a calf injury. Summer signing Ousmane Dembele has stepped up his recovery and is back in training. But he will not be involved in this game. Arda Turan has returned to training as well.
Here’s how Barca might line up to take on Villarreal:
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
Barcelona’s first-choice goalie for the league campaign, German international Marc Andre ter Stegen should start on Sunday ahead of Jasper Cillesen.
Nelson Semedo (RB)
The Portuguese right-back has had a promising start to life in Spain. A definite starter at right-back against the Yellow Submarine.
Gerard Pique (CB)
In the heart of the defence, defensive mainstay Gerard Pique is expected to keep his place for Sunday’s encounter.
Thomas Vermaelen (CB)
Injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano mean that former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen could get an extended run in the starting line-up.
Jordi Alba (LB)
The Spanish international has been a fresh breath of air this season and his link-up with Leo Messi has been a strong feature of the way Barcelona have played. A sure starter.
Sergio Busquets (DM)
The midfield will be anchored by Barcelona’s own Sergio Busquets. Very few are as good as him at what he does in that role.
Ivan Rakitic (RCM)
The Croatian midfielder is a constant presence in the middle of the park for the Blaugrana and that should not change on Sunday.
Denis Suarez (LCM)
With Andres Iniesta likely to miss out, Denis Suarez could get another run out in the starting XI, against his former side on Sunday.
Paulinho (CAM)
The Brazilian international did not start the Champions League game but should be reinstated back to the starting line-up for the weekend encounter.
Lionel Messi (ST)
The little magician was another absentee from the starting XI for Wednesday’s clash, but will definitely return to the side against Villarreal.
Paco Alcacer (ST)
Partnering Messi at the top should be former Valencia man Paco Alcacer. Has been in a decent goal-scoring form of late and Valverde might look to back him ahead of Luis Suarez.