The Camp Nou is set to host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as the La Liga enters its 21st round of fixtures, with Barcelona hoping to halt a woeful league run that has left them chasing Real Madrid on top of the table for the majority of 2016-17.
The 2nd placed Blaugrana are 4 points adrift Real Madrid despite having played a game more, and anything apart from victory against the 7th placed visitors would further do serious damage to their La Liga title defence.
With a squad beleaguered with injuries, here is a look at how Luis Enrique could line-up his charges when Los Leones visit.
Formation : 4-3-3
GK – Marc-André Ter Stegen
Has kept 8 clean sheets already, with his first one coming against the same opponents back in the season’s curtain-raiser in August.
Would have to be in top form to prevent the visitors from scoring.
LB – Alba
He has attained full fitness following some knocks and should be getting a start on Saturday.
He would have to be in top form to curb out the threat of Inaki Williams.
CB – Pique
Barcelona’s defensive stalwart has been impressive this term, and he would be expected to help keep the visitors forward line at bay.
CB – Umtiti
The summer arrival has made only 9 La Liga starts thus far, but injuries to the squad could afford him his 10th start on Saturday considering how poor Mathieu was last weekend.
RB – Vidal
Was impressive against Betis the last time out, and could get another chance ahead of a makeshift Roberto against Bilbao.
LM – Rakitic
Struggled when deployed at the heart of the midfield in the last league game, and the Croatian could return to the bench or to the left of the midfield.
Denis and Turan are also options that could give Enrique some selection headache in this position.
CM – Mascherano
With Busquets out, the Argentine could be getting the nod once again to play in the heart of the midfield after a commendable performance against Atletico Madrid in the role on Wednesday.
RM – Gomes
Came off the bench in the last league game but started in the Copa del Rey clash.
He was brilliant in both games, as he was the side’s most influential man in the middle while also playing some good range of passing throughout.
His 9th start of the La Liga season could come against Bilbao.
LW – Neymar
Has been less lethal in front of goal of recent, but he remains a threat for Barcelona’s attack.
With a ban in place ahead of the return leg of the cup clash against Atletico Madrid, he would be getting another start on Saturday as he attempts to add to his 5 league goals.
CF – Suarez
The league’s highest goal scorer saved Barcelona at the death last weekend with his 16th strike of the season.
He would need to be in his best element against a resolute Bilbao defence, though.
RW – Messi
Always ready and inspired to hurt Bilbao and it shouldn’t be any different this time around.