FC Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo to the Montjuic Stadium for their upcoming La Liga clash. Set to be the sixth match of the league campaign for both sides, the two clubs will be looking to approach this match with different mindsets.
For Barcelona, this match will be key to remaining among the top candidates for the first-placed slot in the league following the conclusion of matchday six. For Celta, on the other hand, this match will come as a chance to turn their rather ailing fortunes around.
With a few changes expected in the starting eleven, Xavi Hernandez will still try to do his best to field a strong enough team to overcome Celta Vigo and take away all three points at home. Here is what the Barcelona starting eleven could look like.
Potential Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper has already managed to keep four clean sheets in the six games that he has played. With the form Ter Stegen is currently in, it seems unquestionable that the Barcelona goalkeeper is likely to start each and every game going forward.
Right-back: Joao Cancelo
Consistently reminding Barcelona of the difference it makes when a club has an elite right-back within its midst, Joao Cancelo has been incorporated perfectly well within this Barcelona team. His inverted nature and technical abilities all make him a truly world-class fullback to count on.
Centre-back: Marcos Alonso
With the former Chelsea defender more or less having dropped to the extreme bottom of the barrel in terms of the hierarchy of defenders according to Xavi, it is expected that he may be one of those few who get to have a shot against Celta Vigo to get some game time under their belt.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman has been nothing short of sublime for Barcelona and has been the leader of the defensive line in Ronald Araujo’s absence. His participation and contribution will be key to making Barca play their best football from a defensive perspective.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
The electric fullback has just recently renewed with FC Barcelona officially until 2028, and this game will be his first to showcase exactly why they did this moving forward. Only 19 years of age at the moment, the La Masia star could prove to be crucial against Celta Vigo.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
The 31-year-old was initially rested against Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League but will likely start once again for Barcelona. Arguably the team’s only natural pivot, his presence in the team completely improves the quality of those around him.
CM: Gavi
The tenacious young gem will be raring to have another go against a solid opposition. Following his great performance, one that included a goal as well against Antwerp, Gavi will be looking to solidify his position in the plans of Xavi Hernandez as a starter for Barcelona.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
The Dutchman is essentially the primary catalyst that enables Barcelona to connect defense and offense almost seamlessly. His qualities as a leader on the ball and off the ball, and being one of the captains, have enabled him to become a mainstay in Xavi’s setup.
Right-winger: Ferran Torres
One of the most in-form players at FC Barcelona, Ferran Torres may get a chance to start against Celta Vigo given that he has earned the right to with his spectacular performances thus far both in pre-season as well as since the official campaign has kicked off.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker is gradually returning to his best version courtesy of his fellow strikers and the support that they have recently provided to the 35-year-old. With 6 goals and 3 assists in his last 6 games for club and country, Lewandowski has been excellent in terms of his performances and will look to increase his tally even further against Celta.
Left-winger: Joao Felix
Arguably the man of the moment for Barca, Joao Felix has been a true revelation. His quality as a player is seen both on the ball and when he is away from it as well. Creating, linking up with teammates and even scoring the chances provided, the Portuguese loanee from Atletico Madrid has given two man-of-the-match performances in a row already in the Blaugrana colors.
