Expected Barcelona lineup against Mallorca as La Liga returns.
La Liga returns to Camp Nou with Quique Setien’s Barcelona ready to take on Mallorca in their first clash since the lockdown.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
It is here, as Spanish League returns after several months of shutdown due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Setien’s XI are ready to take on the challenge of the 11 remaining La Liga fixtures that will decide the champions of the current campaign.
Currently, Barca are 2 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid with Zinedine Zidane’s men ready to challenge the Catalans for the title as French coach has revealed his intentions of going undefeated.
Luis Suarez was recently reported to be match fit for Mallorca for the first time since his surgery in January. Quique Setien, however, has revealed that he does not want to risk his only no. 9 being injured again by playing him for the whole of 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi injury scare had also surfaced but the Argentine captain has been reported to be in perfect health for the match in Son Moix.
Here is a look at how Setien’s side could line up against Bermellones,
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Right-back: Sergi Roberto
Centre-back(right): Gerard Pique
Centre-back(left): Samuel Umtiti
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Central midfielder(right): Ivan Rakitic
Defensive midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Central midfielder(left): Frenkie de Jong
Right-winger: Lionel Messi
Center-forward: Luis Suárez
Left-winger: Antonie Greizmann
Ter Stegen will remain between the post as the German international will be the undisputed starter for Barca’s remaining matches with Neto available as a backup. Sergi Roberto is expected to be on the right-flank as Nelson Semedo’s recent stunt of breaching La Liga regulations will put his availability under doubt.
Clement Lenglet is suspended for this match meaning his fellow Frenchman, Samuel Umtiti will play alongside Gerard Pique as the Central Defenders; While Jordi Alba will start as the left-back.
Setien’s preferred trio of Ivan Rakitic, Frenkie de Jong, and Sergio Busquets will feature against Mallorca while youngster Riqui Puig, Arturo Vidal, and Arthur Melo will be available as substitutes.
The attacking trio of Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will return once again as Suarez has been reported to be healthy but Martin Braithwaite and Ansu Fati will also be available on the sideline.
It remains to be seen how Setien manages his 5 available substitutions as the lack of depth will surely hurt Barca’s chances to take advantage of this new rule.
What is your predicted scoreline for this match?