Spanish giants Barcelona have got a good start to their La Liga season.
Under Xavi Hernandez, the Blaugrana have won seven of their first nine matches in the league. They have gathered twenty-three points from these matches and are in the second position in the table. Barcelona recently lost their first match of this season’s La Liga against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Now they will face Villarreal in a tough match at Camp Nou in the midweek. Under Unai Emery Villarreal have got the best defensive record in the league. They have conceded only three goals so far. But on the other, they have found it difficult to score too. As a result, Villarreal have won only one out of their last five matches.
So before this tie, let’s take a look at how Barcelona can line up for the match.
What will be Starting XI for Barcelona?
German keeper Marc Andre ter-Stegen is going to keep his place under the bar. Stegen has been one of the best players for Barcelona this season. The German will have to keep his good form going.
Now in the deep defense, Barcelona are expected to go with their back four that started in the last Clasico. Eric Garcia will partner with Jules Kounde in the heart of the defense. Sergi Roberto and Alejandro blade will start as the fullbacks.
Barcelona’s defense have struggled in their last two matches and conceded six goals. Xavi will want his defenders to improve starting from this match itself. Summer signing Hector Bellerin might get a few minutes in the later stage as he is expected to make the squad in this match.
In the midfield, Xavi has a big decision to take. Club captain Busquets drooped back to back below par performances. In both matches, he had to be subbed out in the second half while Frenkie de Jong played in his position. So in the upcoming match against, we might see Frankie de Jong starting in the no.6 position.
18-year-old Gavi who recently won the Kopa award will return back to the starting line-up. He will be partnered by last season’s Kopa winner Pedri in the middle of the park.
Now both Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres can get a start in this match. The duo came on as a sub in the last Clasico and was brilliant in the small spell.
Polish forward Robert Lewandowski will keep his duty to lead the forward line. Lewandowski recently won the Gerd Muller award for the best striker and is currently Barcelona’s leading scorer of the season. His impact in front of the goal will be a major point of the match.
Full Lineup
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre ter-Stegen
Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Jules Kpunde, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde
Midfielders: Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati
