Barcelona will get their La Liga title challenge underway against Valencia on Sunday evening following a shameful defeat at the hands of Granada. The Catalans will square up with the Valencian outfit at the Mestalla Stadium on Matchday 34 of La Liga Santander.
The hosts have not won a single game in their last five matches in the Primera Division. Barcelona will be looking to seal the deal against Valencia before playing against Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou Stadium next week. The defeat to Granda has pushed the Catalans lower in the pecking order for the title.
Ronald Koeman will have a full-strength squad to choose from apart from the trio of Wague, Braithwaite, and Coutinho. The trio’s season is nearly over and none of them is expected to be a part of proceedings any more. Koeman will however have to be mindful of Messi, de Jong, Mingueza, and Griezmann who are all a single caution away from being suspended.
Here’s how Barcelona could take to the field against Valencia on Sunday evening –
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Valencia
Defense
Ter Stegen will command between the sticks for the Catalans. The goalie has been let down by his defensive line on way too many occasions this season and he will be hoping for a turnaround in tricky territory, the Mestalla. Samuel Umtiti will be replaced by Clement Lenglet in the starting eleven after a dismal performance against Granada. Gerard Pique will retain his place in the squad alongside Oscar Mingueza. Mingueza’s poor touch led to Granada’s opening goal. Pique too was caught out of position and these problems will need to be rectified sooner rather than later. Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest will operate as full-backs. Roberto was included in the starting eleven ahead of Dest and it did not seem to pay off.
Midfield
Koeman entrusted Moriba with an opportunity last time around and the youngster did not seem to do justice to it. Pedri is expected to immediately replace Moriba in the playing eleven. Sergio Busquets will continue to hold his position in Barcelona’s midfield. Valencia are a team that can hurt Barcelona with the quality they possess and Busquets will need to keep things as tranquil and calm in midfield. Frenkie de Jong will complete the midfield trident that has wreaked havoc on the opposition several times this season. Pjanic could be an option for Koeman to use in the latter stages of the game.
Attack
Lionel Messi will partner upfront with Antoine Griezmann. The two have been Barcelona’s driving force this season. Despite the first goal they linked up for against Granada, Griezmann and Messi were not able to see the team through. Against Valencia, the duo will face an uphill task as the hosts bolster a strong defensive line which will want to make things difficult for Barcelona. Koeman could introduce Dembele and Trincao if things are not going in Barcelona’s way.
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up Against Valencia
