Will Barcelona lineup this way in their opening league game with Alaves?
Barcelona are back in action and will be looking to add another Spanish La Liga title in 2018/19. Their first test is against Alaves. Let’s have a look at the likely XI…
Club football is off and running and this weekend marks the return of La Liga Santander. Spain’s top flight will see defending champions Barcelona get underway at the Camp Nou against Deportivo Alaves.
Ernesto Valverde’s side has already lifted the Spanish Super Cup with a 2-1 win last Sunday and will be looking to add their first three points of the season to the board. With every player back from international duty almost two weeks back now, we have a look at Barcelona’s potential lineup.
Defence
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Barcelona’s defense was the second best in La Liga last season, only to Atletico Madrid. This was greatly down to Marc Andre Ter-Stegen’s form. He did go to the World Cup with Germany but did not feature a single minute. Ter Stegen did start against Sevilla last weekend and is expected to do so on Saturday night as well.
Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti make a formidable pairing as central defenders. The defensive duo is amongst the world’s best centre back pairings. The Spanish and French stalwarts are expected to take their places at the Camp Nou for yet another time.
Jordi Alba was one of the top assisting fullbacks in La Liga last season and has fantastic speed, which helps him stay apace with attackers. He would be the likely left back with Sergi Roberto favorite to claim the right back spot.
Midfield
The Catalans boast a brilliant midfield. Sergio Busquets is one of the team’s unsung heroes. He is undoubtedly the best defensive midfielder in the world and will be a safe bet to start against Alaves.
Ivan Rakitic is back to full fitness after going till the final day of the World Cup in Russia. He did not start against Sevilla last weekend but is likely to be back in favour this time out.
Phillippe Coutinho is a strong contender to start as the third midfielder. He has taken the number 7 and would be hoping to match expectations bestowed on the jersey number. His long range shots and brilliant vision would see him play at attacking midfield.
Attack
Lionel Messi will play his first official game in front of the Camp Nou since being elected as Barcelona’s captain. The Argentinian will be hoping to impress on the opening day of La Liga and will be a guaranteed starter.
Luis Suarez is ageing but has showed no signs of slowing down. He did not score against Sevilla last weekend but will be hoping to showcase his poaching abilities on Saturday. He also is as close to Messi to being indispensable.
Ousmane Dembele scored an absolute belter against Sevilla. It was a goal fitting enough to win the Spanish Super Cup. After being included in Valverde’s plans for the season, the former Dortmund man would be looking to impress again if he’s unleashed from the first minute.
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