Barcelona entertains Sporting Lisbon in their final Champions League group stage match with an important La Liga game against Villarreal looming on the horizon. It is expected that Ernesto Valverde will make a lot of changes from the team that faced Celta Vigo on Saturday. The Catalans have already won their group due to their superior head-to-head record with Juventus. This is a dead rubber game for them but a crucial one for their Portuguese opponents. Sporting Lisbon can still qualify as runners-up of this group if they can win at the Nou Camp and if Juventus fail to beat Olympiacos in Greece.
With a significant La Liga clash at Villarreal coming up next week, it is understood that the Catalans will rest some of their players and hand out some rare chances to a few of their squad members who are looking for game-time. Ernesto Valverde looks likely to opt for the 4-3-3 formation against Sporting and make a whole of host of changes to his squad. Barcelona centre-backs Javier Mascherano and Samuel Umtiti, as well as wingers Arda Turan and Ousmane Dembele, are set to miss out on this match due to injuries.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Line-Up To Face Sporting Lisbon
Defence
Marc-André Ter Stegen is set to continue in goal for the Catalans and is expected to be shielded by a back four consisting of Nélson Semedo at right-back, Gerard Piqué and Thomas Vermaelen in the heart of the defence while Lucas Digne will make a rare start on the left.
Three of the four defenders are not regular starters and will be looking to impress their manager against Sporting Lisbon.
Midfield
The midfield trio may feature the likes of Denis Suarez, Paulinho and Ivan Rakitic. Both Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets are likely to sit out of this game ahead of the crucial tie against Villarreal on Monday.
There’s no reason for Ernesto Valverde to take risks against Sporting Lisbon having already secured qualification to the knockout stages as Group D winners.
Attack
The Barcelona boss may opt for a front three of Gerard Deulofeu on the right wing, Luis Suarez on the left wing and Paco Alcacer as the sole striker up front. The Uruguayan scored in their last game against Celta Viga on Saturday and will look to continue to add to his goal tally against Sporting CP.
The Catalans will still be expected to beat their Portuguese opponents on the night as long as they don’t get complacent.
