How will Barcelona line up against Levante?

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The Catalans badly need a win

Barcelona are back at the Camp Nou on Sunday afternoon for their third La Liga fixture in a week with Levante the visitors. The Catalan giants head into the match after a 0-0 draw against Cadiz but face a Levante side still searching for a first win in 2021-22.

Barcelona still have a host of players out with injury and will also have to make do without Frenkie de Jong because of suspension. However, it’s expected that a certain Ansu Fati could be back in the matchday squad for the first time since November 2020.

Let’s look at how they might line up:

Defense

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There’s still no Jordi Alba or Alejandro Balde in defense which means Sergino Dest could continue at left-back after switching flanks for the game against Cadiz.

The injuries mean Oscar Mingueza could again line-up at right-back, while it’s between Eric Garcia, Gerard Pique, and Clement Lenglet for the center-back slot alongside Ronald Araujo.

Midfield

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Koeman has big decisions to make in midfield with De Jong out and Pedri not expected back from injury just yet. Gavi started last time out and could keep his place, while Nico Gonzalez is also an option.

Sergi Roberto could also feature after coming on at half-time of the goalless draw against Cadiz and taking over from Yusuf Demir.

Riqui Puig will also be hoping for more minutes after coming off the bench for the last two games in a row, although it would surely be a minor miracle if he was named in the starting XI while Koeman is still in charge.

Attack

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Fati may make the squad for this one but if he does it seems almost certain he will start on the bench given he’s been out of first-team action for 10 months.

Hopefully, we will get to see the 18-year-old at some point during the match and there’s no doubt his return will hand the club and supporters a big boost.

Fati is the only other injured attacker due back now which means Koeman must choose between Memphis, Philippe Coutinho, Luuk de Jong and Demir up front with all four players having struggled to impress recently.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Pique, Dest; Nico, Busquets, Gavi; Demir, Memphis, Coutinho.

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

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