Barca’s turnaround this season has been noteworthy. A managerial change in the form of Xavi Hernandez has worked wonders for Barcelona
When Xavi took over as the Blaugrana coach back in November, his side were struggling in ninth place. Fast forward to March and Barca are now in second place. They are now only 12 points afar from Real Madrid but have a game in hand.
After a disappointing but fair result at Frankfurt, Xavi’s men will be eager to regain top form before their host the German side at home next Thursday. That said, they have the perfect opportunity to do so, against a struggling Levante outfit.
Rotations will be key for Barca, keeping in mind their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday. One can expect to see some changes in the XI to keep the squad fresh for the all-important clash against Frankfurt.
Barcelona have scored 57 goals this season and are only four behind Real Madrid’s 61. Their winter signings have come good for them and will be looking to add more goals to their tally on Sunday. The game plan is not expected to be tinkered with a high backline doing the job for Xavi for most of his time at Barca, thus far, as a manager.
Barcelona Team News
Sergino Dest continues to be out with injury. Alex Balde was available for Barca’s previous game and that will be the case this time around as well. Samuel Umtiti is in the final stages of his recovery but will not be taking part in this game. The likes of Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, and Moussa Wague will also continue their time on the sidelines.
Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique picked up injuries last week and have not been named to the squad.
Luuk De Jong makes a return after testing negative for COVID.
Predicted Barcelona XI vs Levante (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre Ter Stegen will start on goal. The German shot-stopper has had five clean sheets in his last six games and his revival is noteworthy. His presence in the XI on Sunday is a no-brainer for Xavi.
Defense
Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia will start as the preferred center-backs for Barca on Sunday. On the right side will be Dani Alves and on the left, Jordi Alba. Alba is enjoying a fantastic season under Xavi. The Spaniard has notched up seven assists this season and is on track to break his personal record of eight assists in a single La Liga season. Dani Alves has been impressive as well but has shown that in some moments his age has caught up with him. However, with Dest out, Alves’ presence in the XI is simple.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets is likely to be rested, keeping in mind the crucial tie against Frankfurt midweek. Nico, who has been struggling for minutes lately could take his place. Frenkie De Jong and Pedri will play as the central midfielders. The duo of De Jong and Pedri has worked out well for Xavi thus far and he could look to stick to it. There is the option of playing either Riqui Puig or Gavi as central midfielders and do not be surprised if either of them makes an appearance in the second half.
Attack
Ferran Torres will start as the left-winger. The former Manchester City winger has been growing in confidence and is proving why he is one of the best youngsters on the planet. The 22-year-old has four goals and three assists from only nine La Liga outings. Moreover, he has missed many chances that could take those numbers up a notch.
Ousmane Dembele‘s Barca career has seen a new spark. The Frenchman is finally getting back to his best and has Xavi’s full trust, with a contract renewal looming large. He has 10 assists this season, to his credit, and is in line to add on to his tally.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start as the striker. The last game saw Aubameyang go goalless for two whole matches, for the first time in his short Blaugrana career. The former Arsenal striker has been absolutely vital for Xavi and for Barcelona’s revival this season. He has scored seven times and assisted once, from only eight La Liga appearances. Those are some impressive numbers and he will be looking to make an impression once again, against a struggling Levante outfit.