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Barcelona vs Eibar: Predicted line-up as crucial week looms ahead

By Ernesto Hernandez

EIBAR, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Sergio Alvarez of Eibar during the La Liga SmartBank match between Eibar v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua on October 19, 2019 in Eibar Spain (Photo by Ricardo Larreina/Soccrates/Getty Images)
EIBAR, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Sergio Alvarez of Eibar during the La Liga SmartBank match between Eibar v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua on October 19, 2019 in Eibar Spain (Photo by Ricardo Larreina/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Getafe at the Camp Nou on February 15, 2020 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona v Getafe at the Camp Nou on February 15, 2020 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Will Martin Braithwaite make his Barcelona debut?

The Barcelona attack, at this point, is very predictable given they have a limited number of options. They loaned out both Carles Perez and Abel Ruiz which is why they needed to go out and sign someone when Ousmane Dembélé got injured.

Antoine Griezmann scored the opening goal against Getafe and is showing more signs of finally integrating into the team and building a rapport with Lionel Messi.

As far as the Argentine goes, he is in a bit of a scoring drought having not found the back of the net in the last three games. However, that has not stopped him from still being the most influential player on the pitch. While he may not be scoring he’s providing nearly all the assists for the team’s goals.

Both he and Griezmann scored when these two teams met earlier in the season. The Frenchman scored once while Messi had a brace. They will be looking to replicate that same success at the Camp Nou.

Ansu Fati will make up the front three as the 17-year-old continues to improve. With all the injuries, he’s been thrown into the fire and having to learn on the fly. It’s another reason why the Braithwaite signing was so important.

Not only can he give the youngster a break but he can play anywhere up top so he can do the same for Messi and Griezmann. With the schedule, expect him to come in as a substitute likely for Fati.

Barcelona need to start off this part of the schedule with a convincing. Given how much they’ve needed to fight to win their last couple of games, playing well and winning comfortably would definitely boost the team’s confidence.

Expected frontline:

Right winger: Lionel Messi
Center forward: Antoine Griezmann
Left winger: Ansu Fati