Barcelona vs Sevilla: Expected starting XI for top of the table clash
The Catalans need to make a statement in this match after a run of poor form as well as El Clasico being on the horizon.
Barcelona currently sit in behind second place behind their next opponents after failing to win in the last four league games. There was a convincing 4-2 away win over Tottenham Hotspur sandwiched inside that run, but they have been unable to retain that level in the league. They can’t afford to be defensively slack against Sevilla because they will be punished.
Internazionale and Real Madrid round off a tough eight-day spell for Barcelona which will test them to the very core and show whether they have the mettle to challenge on multiple fronts.
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba
Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo
Ousmane Dembele, Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho
Ernesto Valverde has had time to prepare and implement a formation change due to the international break, however, he isn’t one to make sweeping changes instead he takes a patient and reserved approach. Therefore, sticking with the 4-3-3 should be expected unless Barca deteriorates further.
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Sevilla’s 3-5-2 is innovative because Pablo Machin utilises Pablo Sarabia as a central midfielder in the defensive shape, but he has the freedom to join the front two as a willing runner in transition as well as taking up positions in the opposition box as part of the attacking shape. Therefore, he is a dangerous threat because of his late runs which make him an available option for a cut back as the two strikers occupy the defenders.
Los Hispalenses are set up to take advantage of the current weakness which is plaguing Barcelona: open space in wide areas when transitioning defensively. However, Valverde has had time to deal with this.
Potential solutions include playing asymmetrically with Semedo forming a back three in order to allow Alba freedom to make wide runs or he could get Busquets or one of the other midfielders to drop between the two centre-backs. The key is to ensure that the backline is spread across so they can close down those areas if needed when the opposition regains possession. Otherwise, Barcelona’s counter-press has to be really effective to stop quick out balls to these areas, which is a lot riskier.
Luis Suarez’s treatment for a knee injury during the international break presents an opportunity for Valverde because he can use it as a chance to experiment under the pretence that the Uruguayan isn’t fully fit for this match and ensuring he is ready for the other two big matches. Dembele could start on the right with Messi down the middle so that the French winger can take advantage of Sevilla’s lack of width while Messi can still orchestrate proceedings from the central attacking areas.
Rakitic, Busquets and Arthur have proven to be a solid midfield trio and between them, they can recycle possession and aid ball progression so Messi and Coutinho receive the ball in dangerous areas while Dembele alternates between receiving the ball to his feet and making runs from out to in behind the opposition defence on the right flank.
Ousmane Dembele could be a key weapon against Sevilla. dark. Next
Injuries to Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umtiti mean Valverde is forced into using error-prone Pique while Lenglet has his toughest matches in a Barcelona shirt ahead of him, although he will be familiar with Sevilla due to leaving there in the summer. Pique will need to improve significantly for this match and the next few because Barcelona can’t afford for him to make mistakes due to the likelihood of these being tight affairs.