As FC Barcelona are just an imminent horizon away from traveling away to face Villarreal CF, it remains to be seen who exactly Xavi Hernandez chooses to field against the Yellow Submarine.
Led by ex-FC Barcelona manager Quique Setien, Villarreal play their very own style of expansive yet simultaneously progressive brand of football that matches up well against Barca’s very own protagonist way of football.
Expected to play his strongest possible eleven available, Xavi Hernandez will be depending upon his chosen few to execute his game plan accordingly and take away all 3 points from one of La Blaugrana’s toughest hurdles yet to overcome in the league season.
Barcelona vs Villarreal: Expected Line-up
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Xavi’s trusted number 1 between the sticks, and for obvious reasons. Aiming for the Zamora trophy come the end of the league season, Ter Stegen is enjoying the league campaign of a lifetime in terms of saves and clean sheets.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
Rested against Sevilla due to potential fever/flu-related reasons, the electric youngster is sure to be Barcelona’s primary work horse down that left-hand flank courtesy of his extreme physical prowess and seemingly limitless talent on the ball.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
Arguably the most underrated signing FC Barcelona made this season, the Danish defender’s presence among the backline has been instrumental for the Catalans in keeping opposing attackers at bay and being quick in distributive duties as well.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo continues to be the dominating figure within Barcelona’s outstanding defense this season, and the Uruguayan’s presence will be duly required and recognized against the threat that Villarreal’s attack poses coming up next.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman has been key for FC Barcelona on that right-hand flank of the defense and his combined utilities continue to help his team adapt to varying issues that may or may not arise during those 90 minutes against Villarreal.
CDM: Frenkie De Jong
Mazy runs, technically gifted, and a cool head. Frenkie De Jong embodies the unique traits that make him an ideal Barcelona midfielder. His quality remains undoubted, and now his performances are there to back it up as well.
CDM: Franck Kessie
Given a chance due to Sergio Busquets’s absence courtesy of an injury sustained against Sevilla, and the Ivorian delivered. Strong on the ball and key in assisting the opening goal, the midfielder may as well get another shot to continue proving himself.
CM: Pedri
Barcelona’s very own star prodigy. The youngster from the Canary Islands is among those upon whose shoulder fans of the Blaugrana put their faith on. Despite his young age, the previous Golden Boy winner continues to be a leader in the heart of this rather young Catalan midfield.
Left-winger: Gavi
The brilliance this youngster continues to bless this Barcelona team with remains well beyond his years. Tenacious yet equally as technical, the player will be key for Barcelona, not just this season but for many years to come.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona’s top scorer in La Liga Santander this season with 14 goals, the Polish striker continues to be an ever-present threat in front of the opposition goal. Villarreal will find it key to be vary of him, while this simultaneously allows Barcelona’s other threats in attack to exploit more space.
Right-winger: Raphinha
Showcased a performance for the ages against Sevilla, having scored a goal, assisted once, and been involved as the pre-assist for the opening goal as well. The Brazilian has had a brilliant restart to life during 2023 for the Catalans and will be looking to make the most of Dembele’s absence through more top-tier performances.
Barcelona vs Villarreal: Expected Line-up
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Defenders: Balde, Christensen, Araujo, Kounde
Midfielders: Pedri, Kessie, De Jong
Forwards: Gavi, Lewandowski, Raphinha
