Barcelona and Eibar have a colourful history in the La Liga
Eibar’s life after promotion in 2014 has followed the same route as Bournemouth’s in the Premier League. After a tough first season, the Basque club bounced back to surprise everyone by surviving relegation. And last season, they solidified their La Liga reputation by finishing 10th.
Barcelona have played Eibar six times, keeping a 100% record. But the games have all been very eventful. Nearly all the match-ups have produced three or more goals, with both sides receiving red cards once.
Squad –
Goalkeeper : Marc-André ter Stegen, Jasper Cillessen
Left-back : Jordi Alba, Lucas Digne
Centre-back : Gerard Piqué, Thomas Vermaelen, Javier Mascherano
Right-back : Nélson Semedo, Aleix Vidal
Defensive midfielder : Sergio Busquets, Paulinho
Playmaker : Denis Suárez, Ivan Rakitić, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets
Left forward : Gerard Deulofeu
Centre forward : Luis Suárez
Right forward : Lionel Messi
Notable exclusions : Samuel Umtiti, Paco Álcacer, André Gomes, Arda Turan(general), Ousmane Dembélé, Rafinha(injury)
Expected XI –
Goalkeeper : Marc-André ter Stegen
Right-back : Nélson Semedo
Centre-back(right) : Gerard Piqué
Centre-back(left) : Javier Mascherano
Left-back : Jordi Alba
Defensive midfielder : Paulinho
Playmaker(right) : Ivan Rakitić
Playmaker(left) : Andrés Iniesta(captain)
Left forward : Gerard Deulofeu
Centre forward : Luis Suárez
Right forward : Lionel Messi(vice-captain)
Ernesto Valverde made good managerial decisions in the last game against Getafe. He took off Andrés Iniesta in half-time, bringing on Denis Suárez and in the 77th minute, he took off Ivan Rakitić and brought on Paulinho.
It gave the first-team players a rest. And even more importantly, the substitutes scored each of Barcelona’s goals to edge out Getafe. But Sergio Busquets played the entirety of the match and Ernesto Valverde should be resting him for this match.
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Instead, goalscorer Paulinho should get an opportunity to prove his worth. Also, the rested Nélson Semedo should be returning to the starting Xi for this tie. He has already shown an understanding with his teammates and can provide the incisive edge that Aleix Vidal cannot give to the team.
But the two players who will have a point to prove are Luis Suárez and Gerard Deulofeu. Suárez has not shown his incisive touch so far this season. He has lacked any sort of understanding with his teammates, not even with Lionel Messi. He will need to step up his game if he is to retain his spot in the lineup.
But the case for Gerard Deulofeu is completely different. With Ousmane Dembélé out for up to four months with a hamstring injury, Deulofeu has the opportunity to nail down a spot in the first-team.
He has already shown signs of brilliance, but he is yet to become the ultimate creative force on the flanks. He needs to build up some understanding with Nélson Semedo if he wants to stand out.
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But nonetheless, Barcelona should be winning this tie with ease.