Barcelona have made an excellent start to the Hansi Flick era and are looking for a sixth successive La Liga victory when they visit Villarreal on Sunday.
A difficult start to Barca’s Champions League campaign – losing 2-1 to Monaco midweek – may have dented confidence levels slightly, but the Catalan giants will have ambitions of bouncing back at the Estadio de la Ceramica this weekend to maintain their lead at the summit of the table.
Injuries and suspensions have made Flick’s job significantly more challenging heading to Villarreal, with the likes of Dani Olmo, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo all missing. Ferran Torres’ suspension gives the former Bayern Munich coach even fewer options.
With his squad stretched thin, here is how Flick could line Barcelona up this weekend.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – The German’s performances have been patchy this season to say the least but he faces no serious competition for his starting berth. Off the pace again in Monaco on Thursday.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde has impressed this season under a new regime and continues to develop into a high-quality right-back. He was particularly impactful during the 4-1 win over Girona last weekend.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The youngster has been worked to the bone this season given a lack of alternatives in his position and he will be forced to start once more with Andreas Christensen and Araujo sidelined.
CB: Inigo Martinez – The pace and trickery of Villarreal’s forward line could leave Martinez unstuck, as was the case for the Spanish centre-back against Monaco. However, like Cubarsi, there’s little chance of a rest.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Balde was forced to do a significant amount of defensive work as Barca went down to ten man against Monaco but he should have more freedom to roam the left flank on Sunday.
DM: Marc Casado – In the chaos at the Stade Louis II, Casado came to the fore for Barcelona with a mature and imposing midfield display under immense pressure. He’ll be key at the weekend given his side’s midfield injuries.
DM: Eric Garcia – After seeing red against Monaco and costing his side, Garcia is on the path for redemption this Sunday. Likely to feature in a two-man pivot, the orthodox centre-back will be aiming to last longer than he did on Thursday.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The dazzling young winger was again at the heart of things against Monaco, taking his tally for the season up to eight combined goals and assists following his first Champions League strike.
AM: Pedri – With Olmo absent and Torres suspended, Pedri may be moved into a number ten role within Flick’s system. With his technical quality and eye for a pass, he’ll be aiming to unlock a defence without a clean sheet this term.
LW: Raphinha – The Brazilian has flown out of the blocks this season, peaking with a hat-trick against Real Valladolid on matchday three, and he’s created more chances (17) than any of his teammates in La Liga so far.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Barca scored seven times against Villarreal last campaign but Lewandowski only managed one. He’s already bagged four this term and will be eager to improve upon last season’s record against the Yellow Submarine.