Barcelona will face off against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday night as they try to pick up all three points on their travels in La Liga. The Catalan outfit were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Benfica in midweek, so Xavi will be desperate to get a much-improved showing from his players versus the Yellow Submarine.
The Barca boss could stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation and could make a few changes to his starting XI for this game. Sergino Dest, Ousmane Dembele and Eric Garcia will probably play from the start as the visitors look to go all out in search of the win.
3-4-2-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Villarreal
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen will function in goal for Barcelona after he earned a clean sheet in his last appearance. Barca could lineup with a back three of Eric Garcia, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet for this game as they try to secure another shutout this weekend.
Ronald Araujo will have to settle for a spot on the bench as he offers cover for the defensive positions.
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Midfield
Xavi‘s midfield could be comprised of Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets as they try to dominate possession at the centre of the park and set up some inviting chances for their teammates in the final third. Jordi Alba will operate as the left wing-back while Sergino Dest could get a chance to catch the eye on the right flank. Both Barca wing-backs will have to pick and choose their moments to make some overlapping runs out on the wide areas.
Gavi and Ousmane Dembele are expected to operate as the free-flowing attacking midfielders in the Villarreal half. The dynamic duo will be responsible for orchestrating some meaningful openings for Memphis Depay up top.
Attack
Memphis Depay will spearhead the Catalan outfit’s attack in the final third. The Dutch striker needs a goal to boost his confidence, so this game would be an ideal chance for him to return to his goal-scoring ways and make a real difference for Barca in front of the opposition goal.
Ansu Fati can be ruled out of this game because of a hamstring problem.
