Barcelona can wrap up the title this weekend against Deportivo La Coruna. Even a point would do for the Blaugrana as they will go 12 points clear of their nearest rivals.This game is a sort of mismatch as Deportivo is languishing on the 18th spot and are 11 points of safety, which makes them favourites for the drop to the second division.
The Catalonia outfit has already secured the Copa Del Rey by thrashing Sevilla 5-0 and are on course to secure the double. They are unbeaten this season and Valverde’s men will like to continue that in the last few games as well. They can be crowned champion even before they take the pitch in Galicia if the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid drop points in their respective games.
Valverde side would have hoped for some more action as the season draws to an end. They were favourites to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League when they drew As Roma in the quarters. However, a big turnaround in the second leg in Rome has dampened the mood in Catalonia.
Andres Iniesta could be featuring in his last few games for Barcelona as he has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Valverde will have pretty much a full squad to choose from and only Sergi Samper is sidelined due to long-term injury.
Here is how Barcelona will most likely lineup
Formation(4-3-3)
Defence:
The tried and tested Ter Stegen will start between the sticks for the trip to Riazor. The centre-back pairing of Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique have come under fire especially for their performance in the Champions League quarterfinal. However, they will be expected to start for their team. Jordi Alba will play in his usual left-back role and Nelson Semedo will start from the right to complete the back four.
Midfield:
The outgoing Iniesta will be expected to start this week. Sergio Busquets will play in the defensive midfield role and control the tempo of the game. The two Blaugrana stalwarts will be partnered by Paulinho in midfield.
Attack:
The big winter signing, Phillipe Coutinho will start in the left wing position. However, he will not play the role of a traditional winger and we will seem him more often cutting outside on his right foot and trying to come to the centre of the pitch to dictate the game from there. Messi will start down the right but he will be in a free role as he goes back in midfield to get the ball and tries to influence the play from there. Luis Suarez will be expected to lead the line for the would-be La Liga Champions.
