After their shock 2-1 loss against newly-promoted Alaves on Saturday, Barcelona face another newly-promoted side this weekend. The Blaugrana will travel to Butarque on Saturday to face newly promoted side Leganes who had a decent start to their Premier League campaign. They have shown that they are no pushovers with an inspiring 1-0 win against Celta Vigo on the opening day away from home. They held mighty Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw the next week but lost 2-1 to Sporting Gijon in the last weekend.
Barcelona’s perfect start to the season was brought to an abrupt end by Segunda division winners from the last season Alaves on Saturday as Luis Enrique’s had to pay for his overconfidence. The Barcelona gaffer went for a much-changed starting XI against the minnows and were shocked by a 2-1 loss at home. However, the Catalan giants will be looming with confidence after their massive 7-0 win against Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Barcelona are sitting fifth on the table right now while the visitors find themselves 11th but it is still early days of the season. They will be looking for a big win and put league leaders Real Madrid under pressure. Here is the predicted Barcelona lineup against Leganes.
Defence
Jasper Cillessen made his first start of the season last week against Alaves but Marc-Andre ter Stegen is likely to replace the Dutchman under the bar. Sergi Roberto is the first-choice right-back for Barcelona at the moment and is likely to take his place in the right-back position. Gerard Pique is likely to pair up with Samuel Umtiti at the heart of the defence. Jordi Alba will start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets plays an integral part in Barcelona’s system and the Spaniard is an assured starter week in week out. Skipper Andres Iniesta is back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and delivered a sensational display against Celtic on Tuesday. The Spanish magician will start in the middle of the park alongside Croatian international Ivan Rakitic.
Attack
Lionel Messi produced a masterclass against Celtic on Tuesday bagging a hat-trick. The Argentine will definitely start on the right flank. Luis Suarez will start up front for the Catalan giants and will be high on confidence after his brace against Celtic. Neymar also was on song against the Hoops scoring one and assisting as many as four goals and will take his place on the left flank.
