FC Barcelona visit the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero to face off against bottom-placed Elche to continue their fine run of form in La Liga Santander. Sitting 12 points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the moment, the Catalans could extend their lead to 15, at least momentarily, should they be able to overcome Sebastián Beccacece’s side in their away game tonight.
In the forward trident, Robert Lewandowski is set to lead the charge as the team’s central focal point in attack. On either side of him, Xavi fields Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. The Spanish duo is likely to take this opportunity very seriously in the hopes of winning the trust of the Blaugrana faithful back.
Just behind them stands the midfield trilogy of Gavi, now donning his number 30, alongside Sergi Roberto, who slots in to replace the injured Frenkie De Jong, and the pivot behind them will be the unexpected Eric Garcia, who as per reports has been tested recently as a pivot in training by Xavi.
The defense for Barcelona will consist of Ronald Araujo at center back, a surprise given reports that he might be rested, as he partners Marcos Alonso who starts as the other central defender. Jordi Alba and Jules Kounde cover either flank of the defense as well.
In goal, as always, the ever-reliable Marc Andre Ter Stegen starts to give Barcelona a formidable last line of defense should the need arise.
