Barcelona will be keen to maintain their lead at the top of the La Liga table and will be expecting another win when they host Villarreal in the next match. Their victory in the El Classico has put them in a better position in the La Liga title race although Real Madrid have a game in hand over them. All the remaining matches are very important and to keep pace with the Los Blancos, the Catalans have to make sure there won’t be any mishaps.
Lionel Messi inspired a dominating performance in the last match as the Spanish giants literally made Espanyol look like a mediocre club on their way to a 3-0 victory away from home. Villarreal will offer far more resistance than Espanyol and Luis Enrique cannot take this match lightly. In this season, they have often been exposed for their inconsistencies and they have to make sure that there is no way they are going to repeat it in this game or for the rest of the season.
Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona Lineup Against Villarreal
Defence
Ter Stegen should retain his place in the starting lineup. After the departure of Claudio Bravo, the German international has booked the number one place under his name and has been the preferred choice for Enrique this season. Sergi Roberto has become a household name after he almost set up Messi with the winner in the El Classico. The makeshift right-back has been in top form recently and is an automatic choice in the starting eleven.
Since his transfer from Valencia, Jordi Alba has been an essential part of the Barcelona side and he should be in the left back position. The massive presence of Samuel Umtiti will be a big boost for them. Partnering Gerard Pique the defender has formed an unbreakable partnership at the heart of the Barcelona defence.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets never gets tired and although he has failed to show the same authority over the ball recently, he is expected to play in the defensive midfield role. Ivan Rakitic is a sure shot starter in this game. Enrique cannot ignore Andre Gomes after his performance in the last match and he will be alongside Rakitic to take control of the midfield battle.
Attack
Up ahead, it will be ‘The MSN’ again. Lionel Messi and Neymar will operate from the wings to give some width for Barcelona’s attack and Luis Suarez who will be the only striker up front.
