Barcelona needed a late goal from Jordi Alba to pick up a point from their trip to the Mestalla Stadium in the previous round of the La Liga. They put on a show in the Copa del Rey game against Real Murcia earlier this week and are back in action this weekend when they welcome Celta Vigo To Camp Nou on Saturday.
The Catalan giants are 8 points above Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the points table, but just four points away from Valencia in the second spot. They face a Celta Vigo side fresh from a 1-0 victory over Leganes in the previous round. Ernesto Valverde will settle for nothing less than three points but Juan Carlos’s side are sure to make it tough. Here is the predicted lineup the hosts might field for this tie:
Team News:
The likes of Javier Mascherano, Andre Gomes, Ousmane Dembele and Rafinha all remain out injured for the long-term. Arda Turan is back in training but is not expected to make the starting XI against Celta. Defender Gerard Pique, who missed the previous game against Valencia is back in action for this game.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defense:
Marc Andre ter-Stegen remains Valverde’s first choice under the bar this season and he will keep his place in the side for this tie. Gerard Pique is back in training and he should be back into the starting XI as the senior centre-back. Giving some rest to the French ace Samuel Umtiti should be Thomas Vermaelen, who will start his second game on the trot this season for the first time.
Jordi Alba scored the equalizer late in the game against Valencia and is expected to start at left-back. Nelsen Semedo has established himself at right-back under Valverde and will start yet again this weekend.
Midfield:
Sergio Busquets is ever-present in the first team for Barcelona and should keep his place in the side, as the deepest of the midfielders. Sergi Roberto has not been used regularly this season but the manager should give him a chance, giving the likes of Iniesta and Paulinho a rest.
Dennis Suarez is another player struggling to make it into the starting XI. He should get a shot, on the left side of the midfield while Paco Alacacer, who had a decent night against Valencia, is expected to keep his place on the right side of the midfield.
Attack:
Lionel Messi was the best player on the pitch at the Mestalla the other night and should keep his place in the attack. He should be partnered by Luis Suarez, who is finally finding his feet in front of goal, this season.
This is how they might line up:
