Barcelona are in a commanding position this season as they are very well placed in both La Liga and Champions League. Ernesto Valverde has led the team to a very strong start this season and the Catalan club’s good displays on the pitch has brought back some lost belief at the Nou Camp.
They are scheduled to travel to Greece this Tuesday to take on Olympiacos in their next UCL group stage encounter. The Spanish outfit got the better off the Greek team in the reverse fixture at the Nou Camp and will be hoping to shrug off their challenge with ease.
Valverde has implied a more different 4-4-2 formation rather than the conventional 4-3-3 which has been the norm and the gaffer has been pretty successful with his innovations as his side has played good, entertaining football to enthral the supporters.
With a number of players out injured, Valverde is likely to make a number of changes there are not many problems in this match.
Predicted 4-4-2 Barcelona Starting Lineup Against Olympiacos
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen has been in sublime form and is likely to be unleashed in this match. Valverde won’t take any chances and should field his best possible eleven.
Gerard Pique is carrying a suspension so Javier Mascherano is expected to fill in his position. Samuel Umtiti has been one of the brightest spots for Barcelona and will retain his position in the starting lineup.
Nelson Semedo will get the nod to start on the right side of defence while Jordi Alba is expected to control things from the left side.
Midfield
Valverde has preferred a four-man midfield which has allowed him to use the width of the pitch more rapidly. Andres Iniesta is carrying an injury so Paulinho will be vying for a start in the middle of the pitch.
Sergio Busquets has been pretty diversionary with his strong displays and his acute match reading sense will be important if Barcelona are to grind out a win from this match.
Valverde has used Ivan Rakitic on the right flank and will stick to his plan.
Attack
The Spanish gaffer has broken the conventional three-man attack and has extensively used the new system with great success. Luis Suarez is the obvious choice up front. However, he will have the chance to partner Lionel Messi, who will have the license to roam around the pitch.
Here is how they might line up:
