Barcelona are on a good run of form in the La Liga as they have won five back to back games after a stuttering start to the season. The reigning Spanish champions will now travel to Ciutat de Valencia to take on Levante at the weekend. Valverde’s men secured a comfortable win over Real Valladolid in the midweek game.
Lionel Messi is once again running the show for Barcelona, and they would go in as the heavy favourites for this tie as well. Levante are currently 10th on the table, and they are coming into this contest on the back of a win against Real Sociedad. Barcelona are leading Real Madrid by just one point in the standings so there is little room for error if Valverde wants to keep his side at the top of the table.
Team News: Samuel Umtiti could return to the matchday squad against Levante as he is close to recovering from his knee injury. However, even when he has been available, the Barcelona manager has ignored him from the first eleven. Jordi Alba is also a minor doubt after he was replaced against Valladolid. However, it just seemed like a knock at that moment, and he could be available to feature against Levante.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup Vs Levante
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and he will start in between the sticks once again. Clement Lenglet is likely to start in the centre back role. The experienced Gerard Pique should partner him at the back.
Nelson Semedo’s explosiveness while going forward and defensive work rate makes him an ideal player to start on the right side of the defence. We are expecting Jordi Alba to be fit for this tie and he should start at left-back. If he misses out, then Sergi Roberto could get the nod to start there.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will play in his typical defensive midfield role. Frenkie De Jong has emerged as the mainstay in the middle ever since his arrival, and he should keep his place in midfield. Brazilian international Arthur Melo will complete the midfield three for the Blaugrana.
Attack
Antoine Griezmann is yet to hit the ground running in Barcelona colours. He is expected to start on the left after he didn’t play in the starting XI in midweek. Captain Lionel Messi will play in his typical role from the right flank. Luis Suarez should lead the line once again.
