Barcelona play host to a struggling Eibar side on Matchday 16 of La Liga Santander as the calendar year 2020 comes to an end. The Catalans have had a stop-start season where they have failed to really settle in and find their rhythm under the management of Ronald Koeman.
Barcelona will be heading into the fixture with almost a handful of first-team regulars missing. Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, Sergio Roberto and Ousmane Dembele are all out of contention for this contest due to their physical injuries. Barcelona will also need to lay caution on Jordi Alba’s discipline who is just one yellow card away from suspension. The Catalans simply cannot afford to lose out on Alba at this point of the season.
Here’s how Barcelona could take to the field against Eibar on Tuesday evening –
Defence
Marc Adre Ter Stegen will take command in between the sticks for Ronald Koeman’s side. The German goalie has been one of the standout performers for Barcelona this season despite joining the team late due to his medical constraints. Sergino Dest will continue to hold his place in the side with Sergio Roberto is yet to recover from his muscle injury.
Oscar Mingueza will start in the heart of Barcelona’s defence alongside Ronald Araujo. The two youngsters have really grown in stride and are constantly keep experienced campaigner, Clement Lenglet, out of the side. Barcelona are certainly missing Gerard Pique in defence apart from the leadership qualities he possesses. Jordi Alba will undoubtedly start at the left-back position. The Spanish fullback is critical to the side as Alba links up amazingly well with Leo Messi.
Midfield
Pedri will start in midfield for Barcelona alongside Frenkie de Jong. The latter has really upped his game in the past couple of weeks and will want to take charge of things against Eibar on Tuesday evening. Pedri, on the other hand, has been sensational for the Catalans. The maturity and composure that Pedri plays with keeping in mind his age are simply commendable. An experienced campaigner in Sergio Busquets will join the two youngsters in midfield.
Attack
Lionel Messi will start out on the right-hand side but as usual, the Argentine is expected to drift and swirl across the pitch as the game continues. Martin Braithwaite, who has cemented his place in the side, will occupy the number nine position. The striker has shown positive intent in all his appearances this season and seems to be one of the most motivated Barcelona players this season. Antoine Griezmann will start out on the right-hand side after not being involved in the game against Valladolid.
Predicted Line-Up
