Barcelona showed that all is not lost and gave another account of their fighting spirit which more often than not goes under the radar as they claimed a hard-fought win against Atletico Madrid. Granted, Atletico haven’t been at their best this season with their form badly fluctuating but it was an extremely important and difficult match nonetheless. The win would have come as a boost during a time when the team and the manager has come under intense criticism from fans and critics alike. Under fire manager, Luis Enrique needs a big response from the player and while the Copa Del Rey is a realistic target this season, it might not be enough to save his job.
Real’s topsy-turvy match against Villarreal gave them a glimmer of hope but Los Blancos displayed excellent fighting spirit and rode on a bit of luck to reclaim the top spot. They are now a point ahead with a match in hand. Barcelona are in no way out of the contest but they need to get consistent and get their defence patched up.
They are up against Sporting Gijon next, a team they had defeated 5-0 in the away leg. With the team visiting the Camp Nou, something similar is expected. Gijon are in the relegation zone and although they will give it their all, anything other than a Barcelona win is difficult to forecast.
Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona Lineup To Thrash Sporting Gijon
DEFENCE
Ter Stegen will be in goal and will back himself to keep a clean sheet. Something Barcelona have had difficulty in keeping this term. He has to be alert and not let individual mistakes ruin the night. On the right-hand side, it will be young Sergi Roberto who will look to nail down that spot and solve Barca’s right-back conundrum. Pique and Umtiti will be the central defensive pairing and will have to marshall the defence and better their understanding. Jordi Alba might get a recall to the starting eleven.
MIDFIELD
Rafinha has been prolific for a midfielder this season and might retain his place. Iniesta will start on the left side of the midfield 3 while Sergio Busquets will be the holding midfield. It hasn’t been the best season for him till now but he has enough class and ability to turn things around.
ATTACK
Neymar will be on the left flank while Lionel Messi will on the opposite side and might have to come up with the goods once more to bail Barcelona out of trouble. Suarez will be leading the line.
