Barcelona predicted starting XI vs Villarreal in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be taking on Villarreal in La Liga next, and it is a game they simply have to win. For the Catalan giants, it is essential to get all three points so that they can maintain their lead at the top of the table.

For that reason, it is likely that Hansi Flick ends up deploying a strong starting XI for this encounter at the Spotify Camp Nou. Even with Frenkie de Jong’s recent injury, he has a good set of players to choose from.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for this fixture.

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

A clean sheet in his last game, Joan Garcia continues to deliver top performances. The Spanish goalkeeper is guaranteed to start this game.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

Much better in recent games, Jules Kounde is gradually recovering his version from last season. His coordination with Lamine Yamal is always a boost, so he can essentially help out both offensively and defensively.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young defender has the ability to carve out a pass from absolutely nothing, and it can really bail out the team at times. However, he needs to be sharper and more careful in his defensive actions and positioning.

Centre-back: Eric Garcia

Always ready to play wherever Flick needs him, Eric Garcia remains as reliable as ever. Following his solid performance in the last game, he should be starting here as well.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo

Following his amazing performance against Levante, the Portuguese full-back deserves to start again. The creativity and threat that he adds to this team is simply too valuable not take advantage of.

CDM: Marc Bernal

With the unfortunate timing of Frenkie de Jong’s injury, Hansi Flick will have a big decision to make. Fortunately, Marc Bernal has picked up form at the right time, and he could be the alternative option to the Dutchman moving forward.

CDM: Pedri

Back from his injury, Pedri is guaranteed to be a starter in this game. Having played a few minutes in the last match as well, there is a strong chance that Flick puts him in his starting eleven for this game.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The young magician continues to be a threat to any team he faces, and he often ends up luring a lot of opposition players out of position. His trickery and magic will be crucial in this game.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

Scored a jaw-dropping goal from distance in his previous game, Fermin Lopez is always a threat. He could end up starting this game as well while looking to add even more goals to his tally.

LAM: Raphinha

The Brazilian forward is not exactly finding the back of the net as consistently as he did last season, but his intensity and commitment remain as sharp as ever. He is always a necessary addition to this Barcelona team.

Centre-forward: Ferran Torres

With both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres showcasing their inconsistencies this season, it is hard to pick a starter between them. However, for this game, perhaps the Spaniard might be the better option.