Predicted Barcelona starting line-up for the Clasico against Real Madrid
Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann are starting. Let’s just get that out of the way. The only doubt for the manager is who will fill out that third spot.
In the last two games, he’s opted for Arturo Vidal on the wing instead of Ansu Fati. However, Setién was at the Manchester City match and saw how Pep Guardiola attacked them. The problem with that is Barcelona lack similar personnel.
One of the things City did in that match was target Dani Carvajal. It was evident once Raheem Sterling entered the match. The closest Barcelona have to Sterling is Fati.
But he’s not used Fati recently and Vidal is wasted by isolating him on the wing. When he’s influenced the game, he’s done it in midfield making the runs inside-the-box and giving Messi another avenue from where to make a pass.
Trying for a third time to make something work is unwise especially in an important game such as this.
What he could also do is play Messi and Griezmann on the left and right-wing, respectively, and starting their newest signing, Martin Braithwaite. The Danish striker made his debut against Eibar and played really well. He provided an assist to Messi and almost scored himself.
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The pressure is all on Real Madrid but it’s a game Barcelona need to win, both, to create some margin for error down the stretch and to create some positive momentum.
Expected attack:
Left-winger: Ansu Fati
Center forward: Antoine Griezmann
Right-winger: Lionel Messi