Barcelona will hope to put aside their disappointing mid-week result against Cadiz when they face Levante on Sunday. Under pressure manager Ronald Koeman could only muster a 0-0 draw against Cadiz, which will bring him closer to getting sacked.
The Dutchman won’t be on the bench for the weekend’s game as he was given a two-game ban for dissent. Barca are currently eighth in La Liga, with just two wins from their opening five games. Levante, meanwhile, has yet to win a game this season and has drawn four of their six games so far. The last time these two sides met each other was an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Let’s take a look at the possible Barcelona team for the game against Levante:
Team News
Barca will be without midfielder Frenkkie de Jong for this match after he received two yellow cards and was sent off against Cadiz. The likes of Sergio Aguero, Jordi Alba, Ousmane Dembele, and Martin Braithwaite will all miss the game through injury. Barca youngsters Pedri and Ansu Fati could have late fitness checks to see if they will be fit enough to start the game against Levante.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Levante
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen should continue between the sticks for the Catalan side on Sunday.
Defence
Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo started at the back against Cadiz and had a solid game. They should retain their place in the Barca defence, while the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Eric Garcia and Clement Lenglet will be options off the bench for Koeman.
Alba’s injury means that Sergino Dest should continue at left-back for the La Liga giants, while Oscar Mingueza could retain his right-back slot. Teenager Alejandro Balde is an option at left-back, while Sergi Roberto could be used in the right-back position if he’s not played in midfield.
Midfield
De Jong’s injury means that Roberto could make it to the starting XI to place alongside Sergio Busquets and youngster Gavi. Pedri, if he’s fit, could be an option as the advanced playmaker in the Barca side.
Nico Gonzalez and Riqui Puig could play a role from the bench for Barca against Levante.
Attack
Memphis Depay and compatriot Luuk de Jong will start in attack for Barcelona, on the left and centrally, respectively. Yusuf Demir could keep his place on the right side of attack as Koeman seems to trust him more than Philippe Coutinho. Ansu Fati could come off the bench for Barca, if he’s fit and in the squad.
