Predicted Barcelona Line-up To Face Deportivo La Coruna In La Liga
Following their successful defence of the Copa Del Rey last weekend, Barcelona will look to clinch the La Liga title when they take on Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.
The Catalans hammered Sevilla 5-0 last week to win their first silverware under manager Ernesto Valverde and will look to lift the second major honour of the season with a win over Deportivo away at the Estadio Riazor.
Currently 11 points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, having played a match less than the Rojiblancos, a victory on Sunday would see Barcelona win the La Liga.
Probable Barcelona XI
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-4-2
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
The German international has been in majestic form between the sticks for the Catalans this season. Did not start the cup finals and is expected to return to the playing XI for the league game.
Nelson Semedo (RB)
With first-choice right-back Sergi Roberto suspended, Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo is a sure starter.
Gerard Pique (CB)
The Spanish international has been solid as a rock at the back this season and has emerged as a leader of this Barca unit.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
Alongside Pique, Frenchman Umtiti has flourished this season and has blossomed into one of Europe’s most consistent and solid centre-halves.
Jordi Alba (LB)
The former Valencia full-back is a key cog in the way Barca play. His constant bombarding runs down the flank to stretch defences will be crucial.
Philippe Coutinho (RW)
The Brazilian international has been in decent form coming into Sunday’s trip to Deportivo. Scored in the finals of the Copa Del Rey.
Paulinho (CM)
The Brazilian adds a sense of physicality and strength to the Barca midfield. May not be in the same goal-scoring form as he was at the start of the season but he remains a handy player.
Sergio Busquets (CM)
The vital cog that keeps the Barcelona engine operating at full capacity, Sergio Busquets’ presence at the base of the midfield is extremely crucial for the Blaugrana.
Andres Iniesta (LW)
The Spanish maestro rolled back the years last week with a scintillating display against Sevilla, leading to the cup triumph, and will be keen on doing something similar to fire his side to their 25th league title, on Sunday.
Lionel Messi (ST)
After a couple of quiet games, the little magician from Argentina put in an almost perfect display in the cup final last week. As always, he will be Barca’s biggest weapon going forward.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The former Liverpool forward found the back of the net on two occasions last weekend against Sevilla. Expect him to make a similar sort of impact against Deportivo.