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FC Barcelona are back in La Liga action today as they face off against Marcelino’s Villarreal outfit at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana reclaimed top spot in the standings after beating Levante 3-0 last weekend, with Real Madrid dropping points against Osasuna.
Hansi Flick’s side go into the game with a one-point lead, which they can extend to four with a victory, and ramp up pressure on their rivals who face Getafe on Monday night.
However, Villarreal will be a tricky opponent for the reigning champions, given that they have won three of their last four league games and are currently third in the standings.
The reverse fixture, played in December, saw Barcelona run out 2-0 winners after Villarreal had a player sent off in the first half. And Flick will be hoping for a similar outcome in what will be his 100th match in charge of the Catalan club.
Barça, though, go into the game without key midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who suffered a hamstring injury in training this week. Gavi, meanwhile, has resumed training with the group but is still some way away from returning. Andreas Christensen remains unavailable too.
Here’s how Barcelona could line up today against Villarreal, aiming to bag all three points at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Defence
Joan Garcia has been a wall in the Barcelona goal in his debut season with the club, and is a certain starter against Villarreal.
In defence, Jules Kounde is expected to hold on to his spot at right-back, but will need to keep his discipline, given he is only one yellow card away from a suspension.
On the left side, there is likely to be a change, with Alejandro Balde in line for a return after being benched in the last two matches by Flick. The Spaniard will be replacing Joao Cancelo, who delivered a strong performance against Levante last time out.
Alejandro Balde set to return. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Pau Cubarsi, who was not a part of the starting XI against Levante, will return at the expense of Gerard Martin. He will partner up with Eric Garcia at the heart of the Barça backline. It means Ronald Araujo will once again be left on the bench.
Midfield
Just when the injury woes seemed to be easing up, Barcelona lost another vital member of the team, Frenkie de Jong, to a hamstring issue this week, and the Dutchman is set to be out for five weeks at least.
With his spot now becoming vacant, Pedri is expected to start in midfield for Barcelona for the first time since returning from his injury with a substitute appearance against Levante.
Partnering the Spanish international should be La Masia gem Marc Bernal, who is growing in stature with each passing week, and scored his second senior goal last weekend against Levante.
Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, should get the nod as Barcelona’s No. 10 against Villarreal, ahead of Dani Olmo, who will get minutes off the bench.
Attack
Up top, a change is expected as Ferran Torres appears likely to start in place of Robert Lewandowski who endured a quiet game against Levante last time out.
On the flanks, no changes are expected, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha set to feature from the get-go on the right and left sides, respectively.
Marcus Rashford, who appears set to become Barcelona’s first signing of the summer window, will likely feature as a substitute.