Predicted Barcelona Lineup To Face Eibar In La Liga
League leaders Barcelona travel to Eibar as they look to get back to winning ways after having drawn their last 2 La Liga matches. Their title challenge is not yet equitably threatened but to avoid any sort of hiccup, they need to get the better of 7th placed Eibar. One could expect some fireworks and sheer dominance in front of goal by the Blaugrana, especially after knowing that Leo Messi and Luis Suarez have combined for 36 goals, two more than what the Gunsmiths have managed to score.
However, the home side are unbeaten in their previous four La Liga games, whereas the Catalan club are yet to lose on their travels this term (9 wins, 3 draws). Although it’s a must-win game, Barcelona could field a rotated squad as they next travel to West London to play Chelsea.
Team News
Ousmane Dembele will mostly feature in the starting lineup along with Gerard Pique as both of them were included in the Matchday squad last time out. Sergi Samper is ruled out.
Probable Barcelona XI
Having gone with the 4-4-2 structure in the previous game, it is expected that the Barcelona boss will revert to a three-man midfield which would provide more dynamism and width to the wingers. They will go out there and try to maintain their record against Eibar by getting Messi and Coutinho on the ball as much as possible.
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen
Ter Stegen will guard the goal for the Catalans. He is a perfect package to have in goal, as he is excellent in saving, collecting and distributing.
RB: Sergi Roberto
Roberto is disciplined and effective. He should play at right-back.
CB: Yerry Mina
Mina should play as centre-half. His tackling, awareness and aerial abilities are praiseworthy. Most importantly, he has been consistent throughout the season.
CB: Gerard Pique
Pique’s solidity and efficacy will be seen at centre-back.
LB: Jordi Alba
Alba was fantastic in the previous game and should retain his spot at left-back.
RCM: Ousmane Dembele
The pacy, crafty and elusive Dembele should return to the starting XI.
CM: Sergio Busquets
Busquets will block the passing lanes, snatch the ball high up the pitch and sit back to allow the likes of Iniesta and the creative players to manoeuvre the opposition defence.
LCM: Andres Iniesta
The pass master should return to the starting lineup after having been rested against Getafe. His link-up play, quick exchange of passes and vision are a treat to the eyes.
RW: Lionel Messi
Messi’s magic and skill will be seen at right-wing. Enough said.
LW: Phillipe Coutinho
Coutinho is expected to play on the left-wing instead of left midfield, in an advanced role. He is one of the most creative players and is a long-range specialist.
ST: Luis Suarez
The most lethal finisher in the game, Suarez will have to finish off chances and feed the wingers. He will lead the attack.