FC Barcelona look to take on Marcelino’s Villarreal in their latest game back in La Liga. Following a less than ideal outing back in the Champions League that resulted in a loss to Monaco, La Blaugrana now turn their attention back towards their domestic competition. However, yet again, Barcelona will be playing away from home this season.
At the La Ceramica, Villarreal will be a true test of character for a Barcelona team that is heavily depleted due to injuries and suspensions. Moreover, with their opponents also being unbeaten this season, this is not a game where Barcelona will want to collapse and would instead hope to show their own strength.
That is why, as expected, Hansi Flick has decided to field a strong eleven for this game that will compete to ensure that all three points come the way of Barcelona, yet it does have a few twists. Here is the official starting lineup for the team.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen remains in goal following his rather disastrous outing against Monaco. The German goalkeeper made some fatal errors in that game but Hansi Flick maintains his faith in him and has already assured that the issue has been addressed internally.
Ahead of him, both Sergi Dominguez and Inigo Martinez return to start this game together. Martinez’s form has been great in La Liga so far for Barcelona and the both of them will be hoping to help restrict Villarreal as much as possible in this outing.
On either flank, Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin will take on their roles as the two fullbacks. With a lot demanded from both of them in this game, they will be hoping their team does not concede any unnecessary red cards this time around to allow them to play their natural game.
In the heart of the midfield, Pedri and Eric Garcia start as the two defensive midfielders. Their job will be to connect the back line to the front half of the team and they will hope to do it without any unwanted casualties this time around.
Right in front of those two defensive midfielders, Pablo Torre takes centre stage as the team’s attacking midfielder through the central channels. On either side of him, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will be looking to continue their great form and help out Barcelona.
Lastly, the centre forward position sees Robert Lewandowski start for Barcelona again. Despite being starved for goals in recent games, the Polish ace will be hoping to get some goals to his name now that other players are beginning to properly challenge him for the Pichichi.
