Barcelona makes the trip to Estadio de la Ceramica in a midweek La Liga Matchday 30 encounter to square off against relegation-threatened, Villareal. The Catalan giants are well poised to win the league with a commanding 10 point lead at the top of the table over Atletico Madrid.
Villareal have had an abysmal season domestically with just 29 points in 29 games. Barcelona does not have to worry too much about this encounter as the Yellow Submarines are going through a poor patch of form with only two victories in their last five league meetings.
Ernesto Valverde has nearly the entire squad at his disposal to make his pick for the starting eleven. The trio of Rafinha, Dembele and Cillessen will not be eligible for selection as they are ruled out with injuries. Dembele is expected to make a return in another week whereas Rafinha is most likely to not feature in any games this season. The tenure of Cillessen’s injury is unknown.
Arturo Vidal and Gerard Pique will have to be in the good books of the referee if they plan to be available for selection for Barcelona’s next Primera Division fixture against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. The duo have amassed four yellow cards each.
It is expected that Valverde would rest a few tired legs ahead of a power-packed seven days where Barcelona face Villareal, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League. Here’s how we at T4O feel Barcelona would line-up against Villareal.
Defence
Ter Stegen will be the man guarding the sticks for Barcelona. Portuguese defender, Nelson Semedo will be starting at the right-back position.
Gerard Pique is expected to be rested for this encounter keeping in mind the fact that he is a yellow card shy of facing suspension and missing the clash against Atletico Madrid. Umtiti and Lenglet, who have not played much together will start in this fixture at the Ceramica Stadium. Jordi Alba would be starting in the left-back position.
Midfield
A very make-shift Barcelona midfield is expected to start in this encounter against Villareal who are struggling in the league. The likes of Rakitic and Busquets would be getting some deserved rest for this fixture. The trio of Roberto, Alena and Arthur would start.
Attack
Lionel Messi would be starting on the left-hand side and will be partnered up front by the duo of Kevin Prince Boateng and Malcom. It’s important for Boateng to get his Barcelona career up and running if he wishes to spend time beyond this summer at the Camp Nou.
Predicted Line-Up
Ter Stegen
Semedo – Lenglet – Umtiti – Alba
Roberto – Alena – Arthur
Messi – Boateng – Malcom
