Barcelona welcome Eibar to Camp Nou, as the Blue and Maroons seek to continue their 100% record so far this season. The league leaders are on the back of a 2-1 win against Getafe on the weekend. Barca is expected to face an equally stern test vs. Eibar, who will be confident after their 1:0 win over Leganes on Saturday.
With Real Madrid to play against Real Betis on Wednesday, Barcelona could temporarily extend their lead over their fierce rivals to a massive seven points, if they manage to win on Tuesday. Here’s the predicted Barcelona line-up for their clash against Eibar in midweek.
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has conceded just one goal this season. The German International is the undisputed number one for Barcelona at the moment and is strongly expected to start against Eibar.
Right Back: Nelson Semedo could make his comeback into the starting lineup after being rested for the weekend match against Getafe. The Portuguese defender has been in great form of late, and he will expect that to continue.
Center Back(R): Gerard Pique could get a breather as Barcelona prepare for their third game within a week. Argentinian defender Javier Mascherano will probably replace him in the centre of the defence.
Center Back(L): Samuel Umtiti will retain his spot in the team, after a rather impressive game against Getafe. The young French International has become a real defensive lynchpin for the Spanish giants early on in the season. He will be hoping for another strong outing this midweek.
Left Back: Jordi Alba did feature on the weekend game but could be rested in the match vs. Eibar, with coach Ernesto Valverde, having one eye on next weekend’s game against Girona FC.
Central Defensive Midfield: Sergio Busquets will play as the holding midfielder, guarding the defensive line to prevent any counter attacks from the opposition. The experienced midfielder looked a bit rusty of late, however.
Central Midfield(R): Despite Valverde being reluctant to rotate his side so far, he might be forced to do, as games come thick and fast. New signing Paulinho is making a push for a starting berth in the lineup, especially after an impressive performance against Getafe, after coming on as a sub. He might replace Ivan Rakitic in central midfield.
Central Midfield(L): Iniesta will definitely be given a breather on Tuesday. The experienced midfielder looked out of touch against Getafe. Denis Suarez could deputize him as the central midfielder alongside Busquets and Paulinho.
Left Wing: The loss of Ousmane Dembele will be a massive blow for coach Ernesto Valverde and for Barcelona in general. The new signing from Borussia Dortmund is expected to out for around four months or so. Gerard Deulofeu will most likely be his replacement on the right flank.
Right Wing: Lionel Messi has been in scintillating form in recent games. The classy forward has already scored five goals this season and will be keen to add more to his tally against the somewhat weak looking defence of SD Eibar.
Striker: Luis Suarez hasn’t started the season to a flyer just yet. The Uruguayan has looked out of sorts in the early games this season. A goal or two this week might help bring back his lost confidence.
This is how they might line up:
