Will Barcelona lineup this way in the Spanish Super Cup?
Barcelona take on Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup. Interestingly, it is just a one legged fixture, that will be contested in Morocco’s neutral venue. We take a look at Barcelona’s potential lineup.
FC Barcelona travel to Tangier, Morocco on Sunday for the Spanish Super Cup fixture against Sevilla. This is the first official match in the 2018/19 campaign for both the sides. Interestingly, this is year’s Super Cup will be played away from Spain and will be a one legged affair.
This is due to lack of dates available ahead of the start of the La Liga campaign of 2018/19. We have a look at the lineup which Barcelona are likely to field against their Andalusian opponents.
Defence
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Barcelona had the second best defence behind Atletico Madrid last season in Spanish football. Most of this was due to Marc Andre Ter-Stegen’s form.
The German shot stopper is once again expected to be the first choice keeper for this season and will be standing in between the sticks for Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup game versus Sevilla. Barcelona will have to go with a fullback pairing of Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba.
The Portugal star will probably be deployed in place of Sergi Roberto, who could push forward to the midfield. Jordi Alba will surely be on a good fitness level after being knocked out from the FIFA World Cup in the round of 16 against Russia whilst playing for Spain.
Gerard Pique was also part of the Spanish team that exited shockingly at the World Cup, his long break ahead of the season would also see him fit. Meanwhile, Samuel Umtiti returned to training on Monday after participating in the World Cup till the very end. However, he’d have trained for nearly one week and will be the likely beneficiary of the other centre back spot up for grabs.
Midfield
Barcelona will play a three man midfield on Sunday as they usually do. Sergio Busquets, who is the club’s unsung hero in most of their title triumphs will be the indispensable choice ahead of a defensive line of four men.
Ivan Rakitic also went to the final of the World Cup along with club teammate Umtiti. He also returned to training on Monday similar to his French colleague. However, the Croat is expected to start anyway.
Sergi Roberto who is very versatile will be the third midfielder. While many would argue for Arturo Vidal to be given the start, the Super Cup is too critical a match to hand a player his debut right from the first whistle.
Attack
Barcelona boast one of the strongest attacks of La Liga. Phillippe Coutinho is the best bet to take his position on the left wing of Barcelona’s attack. He did occupy the respective position on many occasions in his first season and is the favourite to occupy it in his first full season.
Barcelona announced that Leo Messi will be the captain for the new season following Andres Iniesta’s departure.
The Argentine would be hungry to lift his first piece of silverware as Barcelona captain and will be the obvious choice at right wing. Luis Suarez is one of the world’s most lethal strikers. His finishing and poaching qualities are unmatched and he forms the best option to play the striker’s role.
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Do you think this Barcelona will thrash Sevilla in the Spanish Super Cup with a similar score line as the Copa del Rey Final?