Barcelona will look to overtake Real Betis and claim the third position on the table. The Los Cules have looked like a different team post the International break in January and have been a force in front of the goal. Currently, Barca are battling for a UEFA Champions League spot for next term.
After putting up an emphatic 4-0 display against Athletic Bilbao, the former La Liga champions will now take on Elche, an opponent they won against at home. The Blaugrana have been in and out at away fixtures and this game proposes a test for Xavi’s men.
A win at the Estadio Martinez Valero will take Barca up to the third place. While they have not lost a single game against Elche in their last 10 meetings, the game on Sunday is an excellent opportunity for Xavi to bolster his side’s record against Elche. Elche rank 11th in goals scored per game (1.1), and have not kept a clean sheet in their last six outings. Their opponents have looked threatening in front of the goal. In the last three games overall, Barca have scored 12 goals.
The Blaugrana will look to continue their good run of form and will start as favorites for the game against Elche on Sunday.
Barcelona Team News
Sergi Roberto, Ansu Fati, Samuel Umtiti, and Alejandro Balde will miss this game due to ongoing injury recovery. Memphis Depay and Clement Lenglet were fit for the game against Athletic Club and will be a part of the squad for Sunday as well.
Jordi Alba returns from his suspension and will be named on the squad list.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Elche (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter-Stegen will start between the sticks on Sunday. The German goalkeeper did not have a good game against Napoli but has been making amends. He kept a clean sheet against Napoli, helping Barca to a 4-0 victory. The 29-year-old will view Sunday as an opportunity to land yet another clean sheet to improve his confidence.
Defense
Xavi will stick to Ronald Araujo as his left center-back. Gerard Pique will partner Ronald Araujo. Jordi Alba and Dani Alves will take the left and the right defensive flanks respectively. It will be a difficult call for Xavi to decide between Alves and Dest, with the latter regaining form in the last few weeks. But, Alves will be replaced by Dest in the second half. Clement Lenglet could start from the bench as well.
Midfield
Barca’s midfield has been running the show for them this season. The resurgence of Frenkie De Jong and Pedri’s brilliance on the ball has created many goalscoring opportunities for the forwards. Pedri and Frenkie De Jong will start as the central midfielders while Sergio Busquets will play as the holding midfielder. Riqui Puig and Gavi have been impressive lately and can be brought on in the second half.
Attack
Ferran Torres is expected to be rested for this game. The Spaniard has featured in every Barcelona game since he made his debut and it might be time to give him some well-deserved rest. That said, Ousmane Dembele was sensational against Athletic Bilbao, scoring once and assisting twice in the 30 minutes that he got to play. His explosive cameo will be rewarded with a start and he will play as the left-winger. Adama Traore will occupy the right flank with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to continue playing as the striker.
Memphis Depay made an appearance second half against Athletic Club and he scored a goal. Like Clement Lenglet, he will start from the bench as well. Luuk De Jong averages a goal every 114 minutes this season for Barca and he is also one of the options for Xavi in the second half
