Barcelona will clash against Eibar in their last game of the Spanish La Liga at the Camp Nou on Sunday evening, in what will also be manager Luis Enrique’s final league game in-charge of the Catalan club.
The Blaugrana were handed a bitter blow to their title hopes when Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 4-1 on Wednesday night to move three points clear at the top of the table, with just one game left. All Barcelona can do now is get a point at least against Eibar and hope that Malaga do a favour to them by defeating Madrid on Sunday night, which would lead them to the title triumph due to a better head-to-head record.
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Sergi Roberto will be available for selection after serving out a one-game suspension. Question marks remain over the availability of Javier Mascherano who pulled out of the game last weekend at the last moment and Gerard Pique who missed out due to a stomach bug. Rafinha Alcantara and Aleix Vidal are the only two confirmed absentees.
Here is how the Catalans will line up against Eibar:
Probable Barcelona Starting XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Luis Enrique
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
Has managed 13 clean sheets in the league from 35 games. Will want to add another in the final game of the season.
Sergi Roberto (RB)
Having missed out against Las Palmas due to a suspension, the Spaniard will return to the setup and replace Lucas Digne at right-back.
Marlon (CB)
The young defender was handed his league debut last weekend and he impressed greatly. With Pique and Mascherano doubtful, Marlon may start his second game.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
Has been Barcelona’s best defender in his debut campaign with the Blaugrana. Will take over the mantle of the defensive leadership.
Jordi Alba (LB)
His forward forays down the left-hand side are a big part of the way Barcelona operate. Will complete the backline.
Ivan Rakitic (CM)
The Croatian is a key cog in the scheme of things for Barcelona. Enrique will stick with him in the midfield.
Sergio Busquets (DM)
The midfield anchorman will look to do what he does best – recycle the ball and start attacks from deep in his own half.
Andres Iniesta (CM)
The midfield maestro showed sparks that he has still got what it takes against Las Palmas. Barcelona will rely on his expertise and experience to put pressure on the visitors’ defence.
Lionel Messi (RW)
The little magician had a quiet game last weekend, but with the clash of this magnitude, expect him to rise to the occasion and deliver for his team.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The Uruguayan marksman has scored 27 times in the Liga this season and is the second highest goal-getter in the competition. Don’t put it past him to add one or two more on Sunday.
Neymar (LW)
Scored a brilliant hat-trick over the weekend against Las Palmas and if he manages to carry that form to Sunday’s encounter, the Eibar defence will be in for a hard time on the pitch.