After a stuttering start to the season, Barcelona have managed to turn the tide as they are on a good run of form. Valverde’s men will be looking to record their seventh straight win in all competitions when they take on Real Valladolid at Camp Nou. Barcelona will be looking to get back to the top of the table as Granada have currently raced ahead having played a game more.
The Catalan giants were supposed to play Real Madrid at the weekend, but that tie had to be postponed for December because of the political unrest in Catalunya. On current form, the Bluagrana’s should go in as the favourites for the tie. However, there are chinks in Barcelona’s armours, and Slavia Praha ran them close recently in a Champions League tie. Valladolid are unbeaten in their last five La Liga games, and they currently occupy the ninth spot on the table.
Team News: Sergi Roberto is back in training after suffering from a knee injury. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be drafted into the team or not. Samuel Umtiti is undoubtedly going to miss as he too is currently down with a knee injury.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup Vs Real Valladolid
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen played a stellar role in the last Champions League clash, and he will once again be trusted to start in goal. Clement Lenglet is expected to start at the back, and the experienced Gerard Pique should partner him.
Nelson Semedo should be preferred at right-back with Roberto being a significant doubt. The ever-present Jordi Alba will play in his preferred left-back role.
Midfield
Valverde will have decisions to make in midfield as he has quite a few options to choose from here. Sergio Busquets should keep his place in the defensive midfield position. Frenkie De Jong has settled in well ever since his arrival this summer so he should make a start. The other midfield spot could go to Arthur Melo. Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal might have to miss out.
Attack
Antoine Griezmann had a quiet game against Slavia, and he will look to influence more in the attacking third. He should keep his place on the left flank. Captain Lionel Messi has once again looked in great touch this season, and he will be expected to start from right. Luis Suarez has regained some of his lost form off late, and he is likely to lead the line for the reigning La Liga champions.
