Barcelona predicted line-up vs Villarreal

FC Barcelona return to La Liga action after a rather disappointing entry back in the UEFA Champions League. To put that unfortunate result behind them, however, Hansi Flick’s side will now focus on their domestic efforts. With Villarreal up next, Barcelona will be hoping to get another victory to keep their league streak alive.

Unfortunately for Hansi Flick, this could potentially be the game where he has the least number of first team players available. With injuries, fatigue, and even suspensions to consider, the Barcelona coach could have very little room to experiment and shift things around.

Here is how the German coach could end up lining up his team at La Ceramica.

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

At this moment in time, perhaps the entirety of Barcelona will be pointing fingers at the German goalkeeper for his fatal errors against Monaco. Be that as it may, he will remain Hansi Flick’s trusted number one between the sticks for this upcoming game as well.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

While his impact may not have been too clear offensively in the previous game, he was defensively everywhere. His workrate is only one of the few things that make Alejandro Balde such a good player for this Barcelona team, but he will be hoping to use more of his traits against Villarreal.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

The true leader of the back line right now, Inigo Martinez is a player who manages to combine his footballing skills and his experience in a mature blend. While he is prone to making mistakes at times, he continues to be a dependable rock at the back for the team and looks likely to start again.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

From his ball-playing to his fearlessness, Pau Cubarsi continues to see massive development of his character and spirit in each passing game. Despite being only 17 years old, his progress makes him seem like a veteran of the game at times.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman has been an absolute in Hansi Flick’s team and he continues to play every minute. His fitness remains undoubted but his versatility continues to save Barcelona on a number of occasions especially with the team having a depleted defensive depth right now.

CDM: Marc Casado

A player who was relentless against Monaco and perhaps the one who got fatigued the most as well, Marc Casado should be back for the game against Villarreal and it should be a great relief for Barcelona as a whole.

CDM: Eric Garcia

The early red card may have gone to Eric Garcia, but it was hardly his own fault. While he could have let the Monaco forward attack the ball, that match is now in the past. With other options still unavailable, he may return to the starting eleven for this game as well.

LAM: Raphinha

For the Brazilian forward, this is his season to shine and take charge of this team. Fortunately for him, his teammates continue to respect him and he now has the responsibility upon himself to deliver for them in key moments. Hansi Flick continues to trust him, and the game against Villarreal could see him start once again.

CAM: Pedri

When Pedri clicks in a game, the entire Barcelona team manages to do so as well. He can run entire games by himself and his creativity knows no bounds. However, he will need to be at his sharpest to cut through a well-drilled Villarreal side.

Even in moments when everything feels and looks to be bleak, Lamine Yamal can step up and change the tide of any game. A player of almost supernatural ability, his inevitability remains one of Barça’s biggest trump cards.