How will Barcelona line up against Celta Vigo?

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Ronald Koeman’s side are at Balaidos on Thursday

Barcelona play their first away La Liga fixture of 2020-21 on Thursday and it’s a tricky one too at Celta Vigo.

The Catalan giants started the season well with a 4-0 win over Villarreal but have a pretty poor record at Balaidos.

Ronald Koeman could be tempted to stick with the same team that beat Villarreal, although he will be aware Barca play again on Sunday and will need to get the balance right.

Defence

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Barcelona kept a clean sheet at Sunday and it’s difficult to see there being any changes in defence. Neto will continue in goal as Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still some weeks away from returning.

Sergi Roberto’s place at right-back is safe for now, but possibly not for much longer with Sergino Dest set to complete his move from Ajax shortly, while Jordi Alba will continue on the opposite flank.

Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are also set to continue in central defence.

Midfield

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Koeman has made it clear he wants to play with a double pivot in midfield but has decisions to make over which two players will feature against Celta. Frenkie de Jong looks a certain starter but there are questions marks over his partner.

Sergio Busquets did not have his best game against Villarreal and is facing serious competition for his place from new arrival Miralem Pjanic. The former Juventus man came off the bench against Sunday and will be eyeing a first La Liga start.

Attack

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Barcelona have plenty of attacking options which means it will be interesting to see who starts against Celta. Francisco Trincao, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele all came off the bench against Villarreal but could any start?

Ansu Fati looks undroppable after his double against the Yellow Submarine, as does captain Lionel Messi who opened his account from the penalty spot. The skipper also has a great record against Celta, scoring 11 times in his last 16 La Liga meetings against the Sky Blues.

Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann also started last time out but did they do enough to convince Koeman and keep their places in the starting XI?

Possible XI: Neto; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Messi, Coutinho, Fati; Griezmann

How do you think Barcelona should line up at Celta? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

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