How will Barcelona line up against Levante?

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Ronald Koeman’s side are back at the Camp Nou

Barcelona begin a run of three straight home La Liga matches on Sunday against Levante and are in need of a result and a performance after defeats to Cadiz and Juventus.

Sunday’s visitors picked up just their second win of the season last time out, beating nine-man Getafe 3-0 to move out of the bottom three.

Barca will be big favorites to win and are badly in need of a victory after a tough week.

Let’s look at how they might line up.

Defense

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There will be plenty of spotlight on Barca’s error-prone defense after some pretty poor performances this season. Injuries are clearing with Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti back to fitness which does give Ronald Koeman more options.

Araujo made his first start since October in midweek and could keep his place, although Oscar Mingueza is also still an option. Umtiti was also seen for the first time since June and should hopefully now be able to provide Clement Lenglet with some competition.

Elsewhere, Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba look set to continue at full-back with Marc-Andre ter Stegen continuing in goal.

Midfield

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Barca’s midfield has also been an issue this season but Koeman seems intent on continuing with his 4-2-3-1 formation despite rumors the players are growing increasingly unhappy with the set-up.

Riqui Puig put in an impressive cameo once again against Juventus but it would still be a shock if Koeman were to hand the youngster his first start of the season at the Camp Nou.

Instead it seems more likely we will see a midfield two of Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong once again, with Koeman seemingly only wanting to start Miralem Pjanic in Champions League matches.

Attack

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Injuries to Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele have robbed Barca’s attack of width and pace, and the team struggled going forwards again in midweek against Juventus.

Martin Braithwaite started on the bench against the Serie A champions but could return to the starting XI. Barca have certainly looked better with a No. 9 on the pitch this season.

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann are expected to start again which leaves just one spot up for grabs. Pedri and Philippe Coutinho look the most likely options with Francisco Trincao struggling to make much of an impact so far in 2020-21.

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

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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