Despite a dreadful European season, Barcelona are on the verge of reclaiming La Liga glory with a 12-point cushion over the reigning champions Real Madrid. The gap might widen to 15 points with a win against Girona at Camp Nou on Monday night. The Catalans must bounce back from their humiliating home defeat versus the Blancos that knocked them out of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
Blanquivermells are heading towards a midtable finish upon returning to the top flight since getting relegated back in 2019. They defeated Espanyol last weekend, but the test will be sterner against Xavi’s juggernaut irrespective of the midweek blip.
Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona Lineup To Face Girona
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen has been excellent all season as the Blaugrana ‘number 1’. The German custodian is expected to keep his place between the sticks ahead of the young academy starlets Arnau Tenas and Inaki Pena.
Ronald Araújo had a tough time against Vinicius Jr while operating from the right. The gaffer should restore him to the heart of the backline and deploy Jules Koundé as a right fullback. Andreas Christensen is ruled out with a calf strain which could see Eric Garcia partnering with Araujo in deep defence. Alejandro Balde has been a revelation down the left and the teenage sensation must retain his starting status before the veteran duo Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso.
Midfield
Barcelona have a couple of key absentees in the centre of the pitch. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are still recovering from hamstring strains and the manager, therefore, must rely on the experience of Sergio Busquets deep down the midfield. Franck Kessié is likely to feature as a ‘number 8’, also the swift footwork and skills of Gavi must be utilized throughout the field rather than limiting his game down the flanks. Versatile Sergi Roberto might get involved as a second-half substitute.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but the Spanish giants have ample options to slot in on the wide. Raphinha must showcase his mastery from the right and the fit-again Ansu Fati could get the nod as he must aim for cementing his place down the left-hand flank. Ferran Torres has failed to live up to the expectations since parting ways with Manchester City and it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard is introduced at some stage in the second half. Meanwhile, the ‘number 9’ role belongs to Robert Lewandowski who has exhibited his exquisite scoring trait week in week out.
