A difficult week for Barcelona might get worse before it comes to an end. After a chastening defeat against English side Manchester City, the Nou Camp outfit will be making their way to face Sevilla away from home. The Blaugrana have looked inconsistent this season and like their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, they also have been blighted by injuries which are seldom seen with this side. But a new look top of the table has increased the pressure on them to keep getting the results and the margin of error has become almost nil now.
Sevilla are currently in the 4th position and a single point off Barcelona. They have already beaten Atletico Madrid and will back themselves to get the job done against a depleted Barcelona side. But Messi and co will be eager to bounce back and even without the likes of Pique, Iniesta and Jordi Alba, they possess enough threat to get a positive result on Sunday.
Sergio Busquets has been oddly out of form despite getting the occasional rest. His lethargy and indecisiveness on the ball has been exploited by teams and is an area Luis Enrique has to address.
He can opt for dropping him but a midfield already sans the experience of Iniesta might be a risky move against Sevilla.
T4O’s PREDICTED BARCELONA LINE-UP VS SEVILLA (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Ter Stegen will be in goal but will need to improve in every aspect of his play quickly. He has been off-colour and it is affecting their play. Sergi Roberto has come in for a fair amount of stick for his costly mistake against City and will need to be more focused on Sunday. With Pique and Mathieu still out, Umtiti and Mascherano will line-up at the heart of the defence while Lucas Digne will be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Sergio Busquets is likely to be given a chance to atone for his below-par displays and will sit at the base of midfield. Andre Gomes might keep his place after an impressive display in the first 40 minutes against City. But Rafinha’s goal scoring record this season can also see him start ahead of Gomes. Rakitic is expected to be on the right side of the midfield and after a disappointing midweek match will be eager to get back to his best form.
ATTACK
Neymar will line up on the left-flank as usual with Lionel Messi on the other wing. Luis Suarez will look to get his scoring boots back on after a quiet spell by his standards.
