Up next for FC Barcelona in their quest towards Spanish glory is a challenge in the form of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Sevilla FC. The team from Seville is set to visit Barcelona at the Montjuic stadium to clash with the Catalan giants on Matchday eight of La Liga EA Sports.
Despite the fact that Sevilla currently sit at 12th on the La Liga table, the team has managed to turn their fortunes around in recent matches. Unbeaten in four games with their most recent one having been a thorough 5-1 thrashing of Almeria.
As a result, Barcelona would do well to remain cautious and thus it can be expected of Xavi Hernandez to play a strong side against Sevilla that will also keep in mind the upcoming game against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League.
Here is how FC Barcelona could potentially line up against Sevilla:
Expected Line-up against Sevilla
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
The German was arguably at fault to a degree in the draw against Mallorca in Barca’s latest La Liga fixture, but his quality and leadership will ensure that he does not stay down for too long. With great responsibilities on his shoulders as a captain too, Ter Stegen has the complete confidence of his teammates, coaches, and fans.
Right-back: Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese fullback, currently on loan from Manchester City, has proven to be a technical blessing with abilities that surpass most of the players that try to challenge him for the ball at any point. His multiple-goal contributions for Barcelona already are considered a sign of even more great things to come.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo has finally returned from injury and now seems fully fit again. In what is undoubtedly great news for Barcelona, Xavi can now rely on the Uruguayan to start for the Catalan giants in this upcoming game just as he did against RCD Mallorca.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman has been the most consistent defender for Barcelona this season and that is no small praise. Regardless of several irregularities across the field, Kounde has remained dependable no matter what and his reunited partnership with Ronald Araujo could be the start of something special.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
While Balde may seem a bit more restricted in recent games, there is still no doubting his ability as a footballer and the absolute electric traits he possesses which enable him to be such a devastating threat on the left flank of the field.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
Sluggish in the game against RCD Mallorca and an error of his own that the player himself acknowledges. However, he remains the primary player for the pivot position and it seems Xavi may have to count on him once again against Sevilla.
CM: Gavi
Arguably the best Barcelona player on the field in the last game against Mallorca, Gavi has already become a fundamental part of FC Barcelona despite still being only 19 years old. His awareness, technical prowess, footballing maturity, and competitive tenacity are all key attributes that make him such a complete midfielder.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
The former Manchester City captain continues to be a dependable outlet for Xavi Hernandez to trust and deploy in various formats and structures.
However, there still seems to be room for improvement given how easy it was for RCD Mallorca to contain Gundogan’s impact either due to a weak individual performance or perhaps it simply being a matter of predictable game plans. Whatever the case may be, Xavi will have to make some tweaks into his deployment of Gundogan.
Right-winger: Raphinha
Scoring an amazing goal while also providing an assist against Mallorca, Raphinha is currently in red-hot form and will possibly entice Xavi Hernandez to give him a second start in a row given his impressive appearance against Mallorca in Barca’s last game.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker’s absence against Mallorca was sorely felt and as soon as he came on the impact was spontaneous. His chemistry with his teammates as well as his own individual brilliance are key to Xavi’s plans and it is now almost guaranteed that he starts against Sevilla.
Left-winger: Joao Felix
Despite still being new to FC Barcelona, Joao Felix has adapted exceptionally well and continues to showcase the very best of his abilities for Xavi and his Catalan side.
