Barcelona’s recent run of results have allowed Real Madrid to sneak back into the title race. The Catalonian giants take on Real Valladolid next at the Camp Nou. The home side will go in as the favourite. Barcelona have a strong record against Valladolid as they have won nine of their last ten encounters against them.
Ernesto Valverde will want to see a more creative display from his midfielders as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Atheltic Bilbao in their last outing. Real Madrid are currently just six points behind when once it looked like Barcelona would romp towards the title. Therefore the Blaugrana cannot afford to falter any further if they want to keep hold of their 6-point advantage.
Team News: Arthur Melo is currently out with a hamstring injury. Samuel Umtiti is back in training, and that is going to be a major boost for the club. Ousmane Dembele came off the bench in the last game after recovering from his injury, and he could be handed a start now that he is a hundred per cent. Jasper Cillessen and Rafinha are yet to recover from their injuries.
Barcelona Predicted lineup Vs Real Valladolid
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Marc Ander Ter Stegen is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the business, and the German is set to start in between the sticks. Clement Lenglet is expected to start in the centre back role. However, if the manager feels that Samuel Umtiti is hundred per cent, then he might give him a start over Lenglet. Gerard Pique’s place in the starting eleven is nailed on as the other centre back.
Nelson Semedo should come back to his favoured right back role after he played as a left back in the previous tie. We expect Jordi Alba to start from the left side of the defence in this game.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets is set to start in a deeper role in midfield. Valverde would want to see a much better performance from Arturo Vidal as the Chilean was poor in the last game. He should play as the other midfielder. World Cup finalist Ivan Rakitic is going to complete a solid midfield three for Barcelona.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele’s directness was missed in the last game, and he is likely to play from the left in this weekend clash. Lionel Messi is set to start on the right, but he will have a free role to roam anywhere across the final third. Luis Suarez is expected to lead the line for the Catalans up top.
