Predicted Barcelona Lineup To Face Girona In La Liga
Leaders Barcelona welcome 8th-placed Girona to the Camp Nou for a La Liga encounter on Saturday night. The Catalans sit pretty at the top of the table with 62 points from 24 games, seven ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid and 14 above bitter rivals Real Madrid who occupy the 3rd position.
Coming into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 stage, Ernesto Valverde’s men will be keen on getting back to winning ways on Saturday.
Team News
Defensive mainstay Gerard Pique is likely to be given a night off after it was revealed that he had been playing with a knee injury against Chelsea. The return of Thomas Vermaelen, who was on the bench for the midweek game, comes as a timely boost for Valverde.
Having been ineligible for the midweek game against Chelsea in the Champions League, due to his prior involvement in the competition with Liverpool, Philippe Coutinho will be back in contention for the league game.
Probable Barcelona XI
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-4-2
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
The German international has been top-notch between the sticks for Barca this term. A definite starter on Saturday.
Sergi Roberto (RB)
The versatile Spaniard has nailed down the right-back position for himself ahead of summer signing Nelson Semedo. Should stay the same for the Girona game.
Yerry Mina (CB)
With Pique nursing a knee problem, January arrival Yerry Mina could make his second La Liga appearance, after impressing in his debut against Getafe.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
The Frenchman is an important player in the scheme of things for Valverde and is likely to partner Mina against Girona at home.
Jordi Alba (LB)
A key attacking outlet for Barcelona from the left-hand side, Spanish international Jordi Alba is a crucial member of the squad and is a guaranteed starter.
Ousmane Dembele (RW)
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund was on the bench for the midweek clash against Chelsea. Should be in line for a start on Saturday.
Ivan Rakitic (CM)
In the middle of the park, Croatian international Ivan Rakitic should once again feature from the get-go for the current La Liga leaders.
Sergio Busquets (CM)
Partnering Rakitic in the midfield for the weekend clash will be the ever-present Sergio Busquets.
Philippe Coutinho (LW)
The Brazilian playmaker was not a part of the squad for the trip to Chelsea but should return to the starting setup on Saturday, starting on the left flank.
Lionel Messi (ST)
Barcelona’s saviour in the midweek with a goal against Chelsea, the little magician will definitely start against Girona.
Luis Suarez (ST)
Partnering the Argentine at the top will be fellow South American star, Luis Suarez. Scored in Barcelona’s previous league game against Getafe and will be keen on adding to his tally on Saturday.