Barcelona travel to Andalucía on Sunday for a tough test against Sevilla as they look to hold on to top spot in La Liga. The Blaugrana will have to cope without star talent Lamine Yamal, sidelined once again by a recurring injury that will rule him out beyond the international break.
Hansi Flick's side head into the clash eager to respond after their midweek disappointment against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. A strong performance in Seville would not only steady the ship but also strengthen their push to defend their domestic crown.
Last season’s meeting at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán proved a thriller, with Robert Lewandowski, Fermín López, and Raphinha all finding the net before Eric García’s late strike sealed a comprehensive victory. Fans will be hoping for more of the same drama this time around.
Predicted Barcelona XI vs Sevilla
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
The next best thing while Joan Garcia remains out through injury. Not at fault for either of the PSG goals so he stays as the current number one.
RB: Jules Kounde
Chance to play against his former side and offers a bit of solidity across the back four. Will fancy his chances more against Sevilla’s experienced wingers than PSG’s pacy and youthful wingers.
CB: Ronald Araujo
While he's prone to the occasional mistake, a flaw that, frankly, all our centre-back options share this season, his real value lies in his strength, solidity, and consistent availability. With the most crucial stretch of the season looming, his reliable game time is exactly what the squad needs, especially if the club intends to secure his services beyond January.
CB: Eric Garcia
Was strong against PSG and deserves to keep his place on the basis of his performances throughout the season.
LB: Alejandro Balde
He needs minutes to regain full fitness, and giving the Spanish international around 60 minutes here would be a smart move ahead of the international break. While Gerard Martin has become a more reliable option, the first-choice left-back still offers a superior attacking balance and greater influence going forward.
CM: Marc Casado
The central midfielder is expected to feature in this match, with his league performances showing steady improvement. With Dani Olmo struggling for form and Pedri fading after the 75-minute mark, Casado offers a solid alternative while also allowing Pedri to operate higher up the pitch.
CM: Frenkie de Jong
The captain and Mr. Reliable. One of the first names on the teamsheet.
RW: Roony Bardghji
With both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha unavailable, Barcelona’s options on the right wing are limited. The Swedish summer signing is the preferred choice, as Xavi looks to balance starting strength with impact players off the bench. While he has yet to register a goal or assist, his performances so far have been encouraging and suggest he can offer stability in the role.
CAM: Pedri
Involved in every game so far. Undroppable and a true fan favourite, starting in front of Dani Olmo currently makes sense.
LW: Marcus Rashford
He registered an assist in the Champions League, a competition where he continues to shine. In La Liga, he is still searching for more goal involvements, but those will come once he finds a consistent way to unlock low defensive blocks.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
The goal machine is preferred to Ferran Torres, giving the Spaniard a chance to rest and allowing him to be introduced later if Barcelona are in need of a goal.