Barcelona look to retain top spot in the table for another week as they face a huge test against Villarreal at Camp Nou in a massive La Liga
match.Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle:
Defense
Barça had a full week to rest, recover and prepare for this one but have a monster game against Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals just three days later, so Flick’s lineup decisions for this one could be affected by his plans for next Tuesday.
We
are guaranteed at least one change at the back since Gerard Martín is suspended, and we think he’ll be replaced by Pau Cubarsí who will partner Eric García in the middle. Jules Kounde is expected to keep his place at right-back, and we think Flick will reward João Cancelo with a second consecutive start after his Man of the Match performance against Levante last week.
Midfield
There was some really bad news on Thursday as Frenkie de Jong was injured in training, and the Dutchman’s absence will certainly be felt with gigantic games taking place over the next month. Thankfully Pedri is back in the fold, and we think The Wizard will return alongside Marc Bernal in the double pivot in this one. Fermín López is expected to start ahead of Dani Olmo in the number 10 spot, but don’t rule out the chance of both Olmo and Fermín starting together with Bernal as a single pivot if Flick decides to keep Pedri on the bench as a precaution.
Attack
We are expecting Robert Lewandowski to start against Atlético on Tuesday, so it’d be sensible to rotate the Pole out of the side for this one and start Ferran Torres up front, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha retaining their spots on the wings.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Villarreal? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
