Barcelona looking to bounce back after consecutive defeats.
Barcelona are set to face off against Levante, at the Camp Nou, in the next round of La Liga fixtures. The Catalans have struggled in the league and are coming off a loss to Cadiz in their last match.
While the returns of Ronald Araujo and Samuel Umtiti should be a huge boost to Ronald Koeman, the defense has proven sloppy and gifted goals to their opponents. Clement Lenglet is in a particularly bad run of form so it should be interesting to see it the manager decides to rest him.
In midfield is where the real questions lie. Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets, when healthy, are Koeman’s first option as the double pivot. However, neither are particularly standing out.
Miralem Pjanic, on the other hand, has played well when given the chance. Most of his opportunities have come in the Champions League and, bar the Juventus match, has met expectations.
The Juventus match may prove to be a turning point. Despite the abysmal Barcelona performance, Riqui Puig once again managed to impress and is calling out for more playing time.
Koeman has been wary of playing him but one cannot argue that Puig adds mobility and creativity to a side that lacks both those things.
Assuming he isn’t going to be rested, Lionel Messi is almost a certainty to start. He was the Catalans’ best player against Juventus. The issues come after that.
Martin Braithwaite didn’t start in their last game and Philippe Coutinho was an unused substitute. The Brazilian was suffering from some discomfort but all signs point that he should be available. Pedri is likely to get more minutes given the injury to Ousmane Dembele. Antoine Griezmann will also likely start as Koeman looks to find the right mix of players for a struggling Barcelona offense.
Levante sit 17th in the table and are only above the relegation zone due to goal difference. They are coming to the Camp Nou with a belief they can get something out of the game. In an interview with Sport, Levante player Carlos Clerc said if there was ever a time where his team could get a point at the Camp Nou, it would be this season against this Barcelona side.
On paper, Barcelona are the clear favorites but they’ve already lost four times in just 10 games. They are desperate for a win as they sit in ninth place in the table. On a personal front, Koeman needs a convincing win as rumblings about his system and tactics are beginning to be questioned by his players.
Expected Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Right-back: Sergiño Dest
Centre-back (R): Ronald Araujo
Centre-back (L): Samuel Umtiti
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Midfielder: Riqui Puig
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong
Forward: Lionel Messi
Forward: Antoine Griezmann
Forward: Pedri
Striker: Martin Braithwaite
Who should Barca feature against Levante?
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