FC Barcelona are hoping to continue their fiery run of form when they take on Sevilla at Camp Nou on Sunday. The Spanish giants are coming on the back of two convincing wins over Villarreal and Celta Vigo, but things could be much trickier against a Sevilla side, who have also won their first two matches of the new La Liga campaign.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Barcelona Lineup Vs Sevilla
Defence
Ronald Koeman will be forced to make at least one change in defence this weekend after Clement Lenglet picked up two yellow cards in midweek and was effectively sent off.
The Frenchman has been suspended for this fixture and is likely to be deputised by Ronald Araujo, with his fellow countryman Samuel Umtiti still dealing with fitness issues. Araujo will occupy the central defensive slot, alongside Gerard Pique.
Barcelona have signed USMNT star Sergino Dest this week. However, the right-back is unlikely to get the nod ahead of Sergi Roberto even though he is fit to feature this weekend. Jordi Alba, too, should retain his place on the opposite flank.
Another player who is still struggling with an injury is Marc-Andre ter Stegen. So we can expect Neto to retain his place in between the sticks, with the ex-Valencia man still yet to concede a single goal in the league this season.
Midfield
Following two back to back matches in quick succession, Koeman could be tempted to make at least one alteration in midfield.
However, given the quality of the opposition, the Dutchman is likely to persist with the reliable central midfield duo of Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets. New signing Miralem Pjanic didn’t feature against Celta Vigo in midweek but could make a second-half appearance this weekend.
Attack
Barcelona’s attacking combination of Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati have devastated the opposition defences so far this season. They are all guaranteed starters in the final third, with Messi leading the charge and Coutinho operating as the number ten.
Fati will assume his usual role at left-wing, although there are doubts over the involvement of Antoine Griezman, at least in the starting lineup. The Frenchman didn’t exactly enjoy a great game against Celta Vigo.
It could pave the way for Koeman to make a change, especially with the likes of Pedri, Trincao and Konrad de la Fuente waiting in the wings. But once again, the quality of the opposition should force the Dutchman to opt for the experienced attacker, ahead of any new blood.
