How will Barcelona line up against Real Valladolid?

Photo by Pressinphoto / Icon Sport

Ronald Koeman’s side are back in action

Barcelona return to La Liga action on Monday against Real Valladolid and will be aiming to extend their 18-match unbeaten run in the Spanish top-flight.

Sergi Roberto is expected back for the game, although Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho remain on the injured list.

Let’s see how they might line-up:

Defense

Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Pique’s been back in training this week but it seems as if Monday’s game may come too soon for the center-back who may have to wait until the trip to Real Madrid to return.

Sergi Roberto is expected to be passed fit for the match but faces a real battle for a place in the starting XI and may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Ronald Araujo will be hoping to make his first start since returning from injury, while Oscar Mingueza and Clement Lenglet could continue at center-back.

Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba look set to continue out wide for the visitors.

Midfield

Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Frenkie de Jong should return to a midfield role but could sit Monday’s game out. The Dutchman has been an ever-present so far in La Liga but is one booking away from suspension and played in all three of the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifiers.

Sergio Busquets and Pedri look set to start, while Roberto is also an option in midfield. Miralem Pjanic and Riqui Puig are also options, although Ilaix Moriba played for Barca B on Saturday so may not be included.

Attack

Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Koeman has a big decision to make in attack with captain Lionel Messi also one yellow card away from suspension, However, it would still be a surprise if Koeman decided to leave the Argentine out, particularly seeing as he has had the international break to rest.

Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann were both on target for France over the international break and will be hoping to continue in the starting XI against Real Valladolid.

Martin Braithwaite and Francisco Trincao also scored last week and will be hoping for some more first-team minutes on Saturday.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet; Dest, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Real Valladolid? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com