Eric, Pedri begin in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona may line up towards Villarreal

After tasting their first defeat of the season within the UEFA Champions League towards AS Monaco, FC Barcelona return to La Liga motion on Sunday as they face Villarreal in Matchweek six.

The Blaugrana are seated atop the standings having received all of their 5 matches, extra just lately defeating native rivals Girona.

Nonetheless, having suffered a defeat to Monaco after that, Hansi Flick’s brigade will probably be intent on bouncing again strongly with a press release victory over Marcelino’s males at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Barcelona will as soon as once more go into the sport and not using a host of key gamers like Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo whereas kids Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal are additionally unavailable.

In the meantime, Ferran Torres additionally misses out due to suspension after being despatched off towards Girona final weekend.

With that in thoughts, right here is how Flick may set his group up towards Villarreal as Barcelona seek for their sixth league win of the season.

Defence

All eyes will probably be on captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen after his error price Barcelona dearly towards AS Monaco in midweek.

Flick spoke in defence of the German shot-stopper right now throughout his press conference and can hope that his compatriot steps up and proves himself towards Villarreal.

In the meantime, there are unlikely to be any adjustments within the Blaugrana rearguard tomorrow, largely as a result of lack of choices, particularly within the centre-back division.

As such Jules Kounde ought to begin at right-back with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez pairing collectively on the coronary heart of the defence. Alejandro Balde would be the most popular alternative at left-back, though Gerard Martin would possibly get some minutes off the bench.

Midfield

The midfield division is the place issues get very difficult for Flick on condition that he has to make do with out Gavi, De Jong, Bernal, and Olmo.

Moreover, Pedri and Marc Casado also did not train with the rest of the squad right now, though Flick assured that the pair will probably be accessible for tomorrow.

In that case, Casado will as soon as once more begin as one of many two midfield pivots for Barcelona. And very similar to the sport towards Monaco, he’ll seemingly be paired up with Eric Garcia as soon as once more.

The makeshift defensive midfielder will probably be gunning for redemption after his sending-off towards the Ligue 1 outfit.

It ought to liberate Pedri to function within the central attacking midfield position in Olmo’s absence, whereas Pablo Torre may get some minutes off the bench.

Assault

Lamine Yamal has been the person in type for Barcelona within the attacking unit and can proceed to begin on the proper flank, hoping so as to add to his tally of eight aim contributions this season.

Robert Lewandowski is the undisputed starter within the No. 9 place and is unlikely to be given a breather towards a troublesome opposition like Villarreal. As such, Pau Victor should look ahead to his alternative.

Raphinha has turn into one in all Flick’s most trusted lieutenants on the pitch in a short while and is predicted to proceed on the left flank.

There’ll seemingly be minutes for Ansu Fati, who lastly made his return to motion for Barcelona within the recreation towards Monaco.