How will Barcelona line up against Eibar?

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Ronald Koeman’s men play their final fixture of 2020

Barcelona sign off 2020 at home to Eibar on Tuesday and will be without captain Lionel Messi for the clash.

The captain netted a record 644th goal for the club last time out against Real Valladolid but will sit this one out due to an ankle problem.

Ronald Koeman’s men will still be overwhelming favorites to win the game, so let’s look at how they might line up.

Defence

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The big question at the back is whether Koeman will line up with three center-backs again like he did last time out at Real Valladolid.

The experiment saw Barca run out 3-0 winners but it remains to be seen if Koeman will stick with the formation or revert back his usual four-man defence.

One player who will definitely sit this game out is left-back Jordi Alba. The defender is suspended after a fifth booking of the season last time out, meaning Junior Firpo could come into the team.

Midfield

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Miralem Pjanic was handed a rare La Liga start in midfield last time out and put in the sort of performance that may be enough to convince Koeman to keep him in the starting XI alongside Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman has also impressed in the last couple of weeks after seeing his position tweaked a little, with improved results, and it would be a surprise if De Jong did not continue against Eibar.

Sergio Busquets had to settle for a place on the bench last time out and it could be more of the same for the 32-year-old on Tuesday night.

Attack

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There’s no Messi against Eibar but Koeman doesn’t lack for options when it comes to his attack. Ousman Dembele should be passed fit and could make his return, while Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho will both be hoping for a recall.

Martin Braithwaite was in the goals again versus Real Valladolid and could keep his place, while Pedri looks guaranteed a start after yet another impressive display in a Barcelona shirt last time out.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Junior; De Jong, Pjanic; Dembele, Griezman, Pedri; Braithwaite.

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

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