Predicted Barcelona Lineup To Face Deportivo La Coruna In La Liga
Barcelona, the La Liga giants, are an unstoppable force at this moment, as they are yet to lose a single game across all competitions and are already 5 points clear of second-placed Valencia CF in the league tally. They are in a scintillating run of form and now host the struggling Deportivo La Coruna, on Sunday night in their final Camp Nou outing of 2017. The Catalans defeated Villarreal in their last gameweek and should ease past their Sunday opponents with a thumping win.
Team News
Barcelona have a few significant injury absentees, yet Ernesto Valverde is expected to make a few alterations for the Deportivo La Coruna game. Rafinha and Samuel Umtiti remain the long-term casualties with their respective meniscus and muscle injuries.
However, youngster Ousmane Dembele and veteran Javier Mascherano are closing in on their return, after a significant spell on the sidelines. They might recover before the much-awaited El Clasico against arch-rivals as well as reigning Champions, Real Madrid. Sergio Busquets is on four yellow cards so far in the league and another one on Sunday will rule him out of the mega clash. Valverde might rest him for the Deportivo game along with few others of his superstars.
Formation: 4-4-2
The gaffer has mostly opted for a two-man frontline of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez following Neymar’s high-profile switch to PSG and the injury concern of Ousmane Dembele. Valverde is expected to retain the same setup against Deportivo and work on the midfield as well as defensive combinations ahead of their crucial trip to the Bernabeu.
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Marc-André ter Stegan (GK)
The German custodian has been a regular between the sticks for the Catalans and should retain his slot over Dutchman Jasper Cillessen against their Sunday night opponents.
Nélson Semedo (RB)
Valverde has rotated Semedo and Sergi Roberto so far for the right-back slot and the young Portuguese sensation might get the nod to face the Turks.
Gerard Pique (CB)
Despite the criticism, the Spaniard has become a defensive pillar for both club and country and will lead the Blaugrana backline against Deportivo La Coruna.
Gerard Pique
Thomas Vermaelen (CB)
The forgotten Belgian got a surprise call to feature for the Barcelona defence and replace injured Frenchman Samuel Umtiti. He showed his defensive composure against Sporting CP as well as Villarreal in their last couple of outings. Barcelona kept clean-sheets on both the occasions and Vermaelen made a sensational comeback to sort out their defensive conundrum. Should start this game as well.
Lucas Digne (LB)
Although Jordi Alba has been their first-choice left-back in recent years, the Spaniard might be rested prior to the Real Madrid clash and Lucas Digne, the young Frenchman, could be handed an opportunity in that case, for him to stake a claim for more first-team minutes.
Ivan Rakitic (RM)
The Croatian had an impressive outing against the Yellow Submarine and is expected to retain his place on the right-hand side of Barcelona midfield.
Paulinho (CM)
The former Tottenham Hotspur flop has proved his doubters wrong and has clinched a regular status in the Catalans’ midfield since completing an unforeseen transfer from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande. The Brazilian has already netted 4 goals as well as 2 assists in the league and has turned out to be a shrewd piece of business from the Barcelona board.
Andre Gomes (CM)
The Portuguese midfielder has struggled to settle in since completing a move from Valencia last year but might be handed a start on Sunday in place of Sergio Busquets, who might be rested for the outing in order for him to avoid a 5th yellow and a subsequent suspension which would rule him out of the El Clasico.
Luis Suarez
Denis Suarez (LM)
The young Spaniard is currently enjoying his second spell at Camp Nou since the Catalans exercised his buy-back clause last year. Suarez might get the nod over veteran Andres Iniesta, who might not be risked for full 90 minutes ahead of the big game against Real Madrid.
Lionel Messi (ST)
Messi, the iconic Argentine sensation, has been in majestic form so far this term and will be a menace against a depleted Deportivo backline, at Camp Nou on Sunday night.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The striker was struggling to achieve goal-scoring form but has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. He will be keen to bag a few against their Sunday opponents and raise his confidence ahead of another electrifying El Clasico.
