Official: Barcelona name starting XI for Villarreal clash | La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be kicking off their La Liga game against Villarreal shortly. The current league leaders are taking on the third-placed team in the league right now, so the game promises to be an exciting clash.

However, since Barça cannot afford to drop any points here, a strong team will be needed to get the desired result. Fortunately, Hansi Flick seems to be aware of that reality.

Here is the official starting eleven that the German coach has decided to field in this game.

In goal, Joan Garcia starts for FC Barcelona and the Spanish shot-stopper will want to keep a clean sheet no matter what. He will be hoping his defenders can help him out in that regard.

As for his defense, Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia start together as the two centre-backs. Both of them will be expected to manage the defensive line and also ensure that Villarreal’s attacks are snuffed out.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

On the flanks, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde occupy the left and right full-back positions respectively. They will be looking to make life difficult for Villarreal.

In the midfield, Dani Olmo starts alongside Marc Bernal as the team’s two pivots. Both players have immense technical ability but they will also need to help out defensively wherever possible, especially with Frenkie de Jong’s recent injury.

Ahead of them, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha start on the wings while Fermin Lopez starts as the central attacking midfielder. All three of those players will look to hurt the opposition with their unique qualities.

Lastly, up top, Ferran Torres starts as the team’s primary centre-forward. Despite his poor performances in recent games, the Spaniard remains a threat for any opposition thanks to his positioning.