Eric, Pedri start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona could line up against Villarreal | OneFootball

After tasting their first defeat of the season in the UEFA Champions League against AS Monaco, FC Barcelona return to La Liga action on Sunday as they face Villarreal in Matchweek six.

The Blaugrana are seated atop the standings having won all of their five matches, more recently defeating local rivals Girona.

However, having suffered a defeat to Monaco after that, Hansi Flick’s brigade will be intent on bouncing back strongly with a statement victory over Marcelino’s men at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Barcelona will once again go into the game without a host of key players like Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo while youngsters Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal are also unavailable.

Meanwhile, Ferran Torres also misses out due to suspension after being sent off against Girona last weekend.

With that in mind, here is how Flick could set his team up against Villarreal as Barcelona search for their sixth league win of the season.

Defence

All eyes will be on captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen after his error cost Barcelona dearly against AS Monaco in midweek.

Flick spoke in defence of the German shot-stopper today during his press conference and will hope that his compatriot steps up and proves himself against Villarreal.

Meanwhile, there are unlikely to be any changes in the Blaugrana rearguard tomorrow, mostly due to the lack of options, especially in the centre-back department.

As such Jules Kounde ought to start at right-back with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez pairing together at the heart of the defence. Alejandro Balde will be the preferred choice at left-back, although Gerard Martin might get some minutes off the bench.

Midfield

Another chance for Eric Garcia in midfield? (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The midfield department is where things get very tricky for Flick given that he has to make do without Gavi, De Jong, Bernal, and Olmo.

Furthermore, Pedri and Marc Casado also did not train with the rest of the squad today, although Flick assured that the pair will be available for tomorrow.

In that case, Casado will once again start as one of the two midfield pivots for Barcelona. And much like the game against Monaco, he will likely be paired up with Eric Garcia once again.

The makeshift defensive midfielder will be gunning for redemption after his sending-off against the Ligue 1 outfit.

It should liberate Pedri to operate in the central attacking midfield role in Olmo’s absence, while Pablo Torre could get some minutes off the bench.

Attack

Lamine Yamal has been the man in form for Barcelona in the attacking unit and will continue to start on the right flank, hoping to add to his tally of eight goal contributions this season.

Robert Lewandowski is the undisputed starter in the No. 9 position and is unlikely to be given a breather against a tough opposition like Villarreal. As such, Pau Victor will have to wait for his opportunity.

Raphinha has become one of Flick’s most trusted lieutenants on the pitch in a short time and is expected to continue on the left flank.

There will likely be minutes for Ansu Fati, who finally made his return to action for Barcelona in the game against Monaco.