Barcelona will look to bounce back to winning ways in La Liga on Saturday when they welcome Elche to Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana have picked up just one point from two league outings after winning the first two games under new manager Xavi Hernandez. They drew 2-2 to Osasuna after losing 1-0 to Real Betis at home earlier this month.
Xavi will be desperate for his team to end the poor run of form against Elche, who head to Camp Nou off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Valencia.
Barcelona Team News
Memphis Depay, Pedri, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba are all out sidelined for Barcelona. Xavi will once again have a limited group of players available at his disposal to try and negotiate a tricky fixture against 16th-placed Elche.
Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday at a tearful press conference due to a heart condition. The Argentinean striker did not feature for Barcelona since the end of October, when he was substituted during the first half of Barcelona’s draw with Alaves after experiencing chest discomfort.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Elche (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen continues to underperform in goal for the Catalan club. However, the German continues to have the trust of the manager and is set to continue.
Defence
Barcelona’s defence has been all over the place since the start of the season. With no sense of any leadership at the back, they have shipped plenty of goals. Xavi could revert to a flat back four on Saturday, with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti starting at the heart of the defence in the Barcelona lineup.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Elche
Sergino Dest isn’t favoured at right-back, so, Ronald Araujo could get the nod again. Jordi Alba’s injury is a big blow to Xavi and co. and with no quality backup to the Spanish international, Oscar Mingueza may get a chance at left-back against Elche.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets is expected to anchor the midfield again. The experienced Spaniard will be expected to keep things simple in midfield whilst allowing the flair players to express themselves freely in the final third.
Frenkie de Jong has blown hot and cold this season and Xavi will hope the Dutchman starts performing consistently. Nico Gonzalez, who scored his first career goal for Barcelona last weekend, will occupy the final midfield position in the Barcelona lineup.
Attack
Academy products Abde Ezzalzouli and Gavi could start on either of the flanks with Ousmane Dembele operating as a false 9 against Elche. The front three will look to link well in the final third and cause problems to the Elche backline at Camp Nou.