How will Barcelona line up against Leganes?

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The champions are in La Liga action on Saturday

Barcelona return to La Liga action on Saturday against Leganes at Butarque and will be hoping to maintain top spot in the table.

Ernesto Valverde’s team selection will make for interesting reading, particularly in defence where Sergio Roberto is suspended and Nelson Semedo is out injured.

Let’s have a look at how they might line up.

Defence

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The big question ahead of Saturday’s game is who will start at right-back. Moussa Wague is the obvious choice, but it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if Valverde decided he didn’t really trust the 21-year-old after all.

In central defence Samuel Umtiti will be pushing for a start in place of Clement Lenglet, although he will be needed in midweek against Dortmund given Gerard Pique is suspended for that one.

At left-back we could see Junior Firpo again. Jordi Alba has been out since suffering another hamstring injury against Slavia Prague, and it’s not clear if he’s ready to return.

Midfield

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Arthur, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong have all been away on international duty and could all start Saturday’s match.

Arturo Vidal is another option if Valverde wants some fresh legs in midfield. The 32-year-old didn’t see any game time for Chile as their friendly with Peru was called off.

Meanwhile, Ivan Rakitic pulled out of the Croatia squad due to an Achilles problem but has been training this week, while Carles Alena will be lucky if he even makes the squad.

Attack

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Barcelona have plenty of options in attack with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, Carles Perez and Antoine Griezmann all fit and ready to go.

Messi and Suarez will be expected to start leaving just one spot up for grabs. Griezmann returned to form with a goal and assist for France last time out, while Dembele should be fresh after being left out of the world champions’ squad.

Possible starting XI: Ter Stegen; Wague, Pique, Umtiti, Firpo; De Jong, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Suarez, Dembele.

How do you think Barcelona will line up against Leganes? Let us know your thoughts, line-ups and predictions in the comments below!

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