Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga after brushing away Real Valladolid 5-1, and are now a point ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid on the table.
The Blaugrana face off against Levante on Saturday, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Slavia Praha in the Champions League.
Lionel Messi starred once again for Barca against Valladolid, scoring a brace, while Luis Suarez also got on the scoresheet.
Manager Ernesto Valverde could have a full-strength squad to choose from apart from one or two injury concerns. Let’s take a look at the possible Barcelona lineup for the game:
Barcelona Team News
One major injury doubt for the game against Levante is left-back Jordi Alba, who was substituted in the match against Valladolid.
Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen has started in goal in all 10 league matches this season, and he should continue in goal once again on Saturday.
Defence
Samuel Umtiti did not feature in the mid-week game, but he’s closing in on a return to the squad as he is back in training with the team. He may not be able to usurp Gerard Pique and Clément Lenglet in the heart of the defence for Saturday’s game.
Sergi Roberto could start at right-back, and Nélson Semedo might replace Alba at left-back in the Barcelona lineup. Junior Firpo is another option at left-back.
Midfield
Arthur, who has been in splendid form this season for Barcelona, was rested for the mid-week match. His replacement, Arturo Vidal, scored in the game, but Arthur should return to the Barcelona lineup. He should start alongside Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong in midfield.
Ivan Rakitic, Carles Alena, and Sergi Roberto are other options in central midfield for Valverde, but he will likely stick to his first-choice midfield trio of Arthur, de Jong and Busquets.
Attack
Lionel Messi was back to his best against Valladolid, scoring a superb brace as well as two assists. He should start from the right for Saturday’s game.
Luis Suarez scored his sixth league goal of the season in the last game and he should start as the main striker, with Antoine Griezmann playing from the left side.
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