Barcelona will clash heads with Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday night hoping to return to winning ways in La Liga. The Catalan giants will come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw versus Atletico Madrid in midweek. In contrast, the Yellow Submarine secured a 2-0 victory away at Real Betis, so they will head into this clash full of confidence while looking to cause an upset when Barca come to their backyard this weekend.
Quique Setien will continue to set-up his team in a 4-3-3 formation and might make one change to his starting XI for this upcoming league clash at Castellón.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Villarreal
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen will continue to feature in goal for the Catalans despite conceding two goals versus Diego Simeone’s side earlier this week. Clement Lenglet will once again partner Gerard Pique at the heart of Setien’s defence. The centre-back duo will focus on maintaining a high line and keeping things tidy at the back against Villarreal this weekend.
Jordi Alba will get the nod to start at left-back while Nelson Semedo keeps his place on the other side as the right-back. Both Barca full-backs will be instructed to push high up the pitch so that they can create some decent openings in the final third.
Both Samuel Umtiti and Junior Firpo will have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Midfield
Setien might opt for a midfield three of Riqui Puig, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal in the absence of the injured, Frenkie de Jong. Puig has shown some glimpses of his incredible potential during this campaign, so this game could be another chance for him to shine while operating in a box-to-box role at the heart of the Barcelona midfield.
Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto will be available for selection on the bench but could come on to make an impact in the game if Setien decides to call upon their services.
Attack
Ansu Fati might get another opportunity to impress on the left side of the Barca attack. The usual suspects, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will play alongside the Spanish whizkid as they all work together in search of the three points this weekend.
Messi managed to get his name on the scoresheet in midweek, so we can expect him to be Setien’s best hope for a goal away at Estadio de la Cerámica.
