Celta Vigo vs Barcelona: Predicted starting XI for trip to Balaidos

The notable absence in midfield will be Sergio Busquets who is serving a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card in the Athletic Bilbao match.

He will be a significant absence because even though he is getting up there in age and isn’t as mobile as he used to be, aside from Lionel Messi, he is one of Barcelona’s most influential players. He is still relied upon to help them play out the back and it’s a job he still does well.

The midfield gave Setien concerns in their last match following a dismal first half display. But that all changed once he introduced the youngster, Riqui Puig. The tempo of the match then picked up and was one of the reasons Barcelona went on to win that match.

Because of that and because of Arthur’s imminent departure to Juventus, Puig is likely to feature from the start to show what he can do. He’s their next young hope in midfield and will finally get a chance to prove it.

The hero of the previous game, Ivan Rakitic, is also set to start in place of the suspended Busquets at the base of midfield. It’s a position he is not unfamiliar with but he’s not at the same level as Busquets.

He’s going to be tasked with providing protection to the backline and to start the team’s attacks. Rakitic has been hit and miss this season but he will want some of that momentum from the Athletic match to carry over into this one

As for who makes up the final spot, it’s going to be Arturo Vidal. There isn’t many other options with Arthur relegated to the bench. You know what you’re getting with Vidal and it won’t be until the match starts whether what you’re going to get from him will be what the team needs.

The midfield battle is one the Catalan side is going to need to win. Both in terms of having possession and not allowing Celta to hit them on the break.

Expected Barcelona Midfield

Midfielder (right): Arturo Vidal
Central midfielder: Ivan Rakitic
Midfielder (left): Riqui Puig