Barcelona lost their last La Liga game to Valencia, and they will look to return to winning ways when they host Levante on Sunday night. The Blaugrana managed a dominating 5-0 win in the Copa Del Rey recently against Leganes.
Levante have already got the better of Barcelona earlier this season as they won 3-1 at home in November. Barcelona trail Real Madrid by six points on the table (having played a match less) and they cannot afford any more slip-ups as that could give their arch-rivals a significant advantage in the title race.
Team News: Winger Ousmane Dembele is out with a hamstring injury. Luis Suarez is also a long term absentee with a knee issue. Backup goalkeeper Neto is struggling with his ankle which would see him miss out.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup Vs Levante
Formation (4-3-3)
Quique Setién has played with a three-man defence in some of the games. Against Valencia, they lined up in what looked like a (3-1-4-2). Barcelona looked far from effective, and they suffered a 2-0 defeat. Hence, we believe that he might go in with a 4-3-3 formation which the Barcelona players are more used to.
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen is a no brainer to start in goal for Barcelona. Samuel Umititi is back in favour under the new manager, and he is going to start in central defence. He is likely to be partnered by the experienced Gerard Pique. Jordi Alba is set to feature at left-back in this encounter. The right-back spot is expected to be occupied by Sergi Roberto after Nelson Semedo played the midweek tie against Leganes in the Copa Del Rey.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will be in his usual defensive midfield role, and he will look to dictate the game from deep areas. Brazilian international Arthur Melo is likely to get the nod to feature in the middle. Frenkie De Jong is more or less a nailed-on starter in midfield. Experienced players like Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal might have to miss out.
Attack
17-year-old Ansu Fati could start on the left flank. The winger has three goals in all competitions this season, and he has managed to catch the eye so far. Lionel Messi is expected to be in his usual free role on the right. Antoine Griezmann could end up leading the line in the absence of Luis Suarez. Griezmann and Messi might keep interchanging their positions when required, and the front three is likely going to be flexible.
