Barcelona will take on Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla side at the Camp Nou, on Wednesday in the Spanish La Liga.
The Catalans come into the game on the back of a 4-1 win away at Granada and the confidence within the Barcelona dressing room will be high, considering that the win came without their star man Lionel Messi. Barcelona sit 2nd in the La Liga standings, two points behind leaders Real Madrid and will be hoping to keep the pressure up on their bitter rivals. The last time the two teams met in the Liga, Barcelona came out 2-1 winners and manager Luis Enrique will be hoping for a similar result on Wednesday.
The biggest boost for Barcelona will be the return of star man Leo Messi, who missed the game against Granada due to a suspension. However, they will be without Rafinha Alcantara who picked up an injury in the same game. Arda Turan is still unavailable, after picking up a groin injury during international duty while Aleix Vidal has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Ter Stegen has kept 11 clean sheets in La Liga this season but hasn’t had a shutout in the last three games. Would be itching to add another clean sheet to his tally.
Barcelona switched to a 4-3-3 on Sunday night against Granada, and we expect Enrique to stick with a similar setup against Sevilla, meaning Sergi Roberto will get the nod at right-back.
Controversies never cease to surround Pique. The Spaniard was rested last weekend following his latest statements about Real Madrid but could be reinstated to the starting XI in place of Javier Mascherano.
We expect another change in the heart of the defence with Frenchman Samuel Umtiti coming in for compatriot Jeremy Mathieu.
At left-back, it will Jordi Alba who will keep his place ahead of Lucas Digne. The Spaniard hasn’t been involved heavily in recent weeks with injuries. But he remains a crucial member of the team.
At the base of the midfield, we will see Sergio Busquets continue. The Spaniard will be key in keeping the Sevilla attack at bay, especially on the counter.
In the centre of the park, Ivan Rakitic will keep his place in the starting XI. The Croatian international is a vital cog in the Barcelona midfield and scored a goal against Granada on Sunday. Will be crucial if his team are to come out on top.
Alongside Rakitic, there could be a possible change in the line-up with the experienced midfielder Andres Iniesta coming in for Andre Gomes.
Leo Messi will take his rightful place on the right-flank, after missing the Granada encounter due to suspension. He will come in for the injured Rafinha.
Leading the attack will be maverick striker Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan opened the scoring against Granada and will look to continue his recent goal-scoring streak.
On the left-hand side will be Brazilian sensation Neymar. The 25-year old scored his 100th goal for Barcelona on Sunday and will be hoping to add more to his tally.
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