Following the 2-0 win against Cadiz in their previous outing, FC Barcelona now look to face off against Villarreal at the Estadio De La Ceramica in what is expected to be a great clash for both sides on Matchday three of La Liga EA Sports.
Having various injury and suspension concerns heading into the game, Barcelona will have to make do without some of their most important players within the squad. With both teams looking to fight for all three points, it is sure to be a hotly contested encounter.
Here is how FC Barcelona could line up:
Potential Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Having recently signed an extension with the club that sees him remain a Barcelona player until 2028, the club captain will be tasked with now keeping Villarreal at bay and continuing his streak of clean sheets at the Estadio De La Ceramica.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
The injury to Ronald Araujo could see Barcelona having to switch Jules Kounde back to right-back unless someone like Sergi Roberto is tasked with the responsibility and the French defender could then be shifted to more central areas.
Centre-back: Eric Garcia
The 22-year-old Spanish defender could see himself being given a shot to start the game with Ronald Araujo out injured and Inigo Martinez still unregistered. His current standing within the squad is quite low in terms of selection, but this game could be his opportunity to shine through.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
The Danish central defender will retain his position in the defensive line and look to offer both a rigid wall to the opposition attackers as well as provide progressive depth with his ball-playing abilities.
Left-back: Marcos Alonso
Given that Alejandro Balde has recently been reported to have suffered discomfort in his ankle, there could be a huge possibility that Marcos Alonso ends up taking his place against Villarreal. Could also be hinted by how urgently the Catalans ended up registering the former Chelsea defender following Balde’s discomfort.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
The 31-year-old continues to impress as the team’s primary pivot and has thus far been promising and has continued to shoulder the responsibilities expected of him at Barcelona.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
The German has thus far adapted well to Barcelona and Spain, having provided the rather exquisite assist in the last game to open the scoring for Barcelona, and will now have an even bigger responsibility on his shoulder heading into the game against Villarreal without the support of Pedri.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
The Dutch midfielder has been everywhere for Barcelona in recent games. Having to play as a midfielder and even having to start as a defender on one occasion, his vast quality and versatility has ended up making him an undisputed starter within Xavi’s Barcelona.
Left-winger: Gavi
The injury to Pedri would make Gavi the ideal candidate to replace the other Golden Boy in the team as the primary false winger in the frontline should Barcelona end up playing in Xavi’s preferred system with four midfielders within the starting eleven.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker has thus far been kept isolated against most opponents and while he does struggle more often than not, the season is far from over and he still has the chance to turn his fortunes around.
Right-winger: Ferran Torres
Given his fine goal-scoring form and currently the squad’s top scorer overall if pre0season is accounted for as well, Ferran Torres has done well to get his own chance to start a game and this one against Villarreal could just end up being his chance.
