How will Barcelona line up against Villarreal?

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

Another crunch game in La Liga

Barcelona’s title charge continues on Sunday when Ronald Koeman’s side play Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The Yellow Submarine have been in good form but slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat last time out to Alaves, while Barca ran out 5-2 winners against Getafe on Thursday.

Let’s look at how they might line-up:

Defense

Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Ronald Koeman’s teamsheet will make for interesting reading, particularly in defense where he has plenty of options with pretty much everyone fit and well.

There’s likely to be plenty of scrutiny on whether Oscar Mingueza starts or not after Koeman let rip at the youngster during the Getafe win and then took him off.

Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet both came off at half-time on Thursday but could start again, although Ronald Araujo is also an option.

Sergino Dest may also return on the right after being replaced by fit-again Sergi Roberto for the game against Getafe.

Midfield

Photo by Sergio Ruiz / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport

We all know what the midfield will look like against Villarreal unless Koeman springs a surprise and makes a change against Villarreal.

Pedri has looked in need of a break recently but it would still be a surprise if the teenager dropped out. Elsewhere, Sergio Busquets is in good form and Frenkie de Jong continues to be a vital presence in the starting XI.

Attack

Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ousmane Dembele looks to have a chance of making the squad for this one after missing Thursday’s game with a pelvic problem, but there will be no Martin Braithwaite once again because of a sprained ankle.

Koeman’s unlikely to risk Dembele if he is carrying a problem so it’s likely the Frenchman will start on the bench if he makes the squad with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann continuing up front.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; Dest, Busquets, De Jong, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Villarreal? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/3nfDPGt

Categories: Barca Blaugranes - All Posts