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Barcelona will take on Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday and the Blaugrana will hope to keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid in the title race.
Ronald Koeman’s side have been pretty impressive in the league in the last two months or so, and are one of the form teams at the moment.
Although their cup form hasn’t been the best, the Blaugrana will know they can still wrestle away the advantage from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the coming weeks.
Like Barcelona, Sevilla too have been in a scintillating run of form, and can move above Barcelona with a win. Julen Lopetegui’s side have the edge when it comes to head to head, and are unbeaten in the last three games against the Blaugrana.
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Barcelona will be wary of Sevilla’s threat, but they have the players to beat Lopetegui’s side. So without further ado, let’s take a look at how Barcelona might line up against Sevilla.
Barcelona's probable XI vs Sevilla
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has kept just one clean-sheet in the last five games in all competitions for Barcelona, and he will hope that run improves.
The German has kept seven clean-sheets so far this season and will look to increase that tally against Sevilla.
Defenders
The Blaugrana’s defence has been leaky in recent weeks because of the number of changes at the back. Barcelona have conceded 22 goals so far in La Liga this season, and that is the highest among the top five teams in the league.
Clement Lenglet is likely to partner Gerard Pique in the centre-half role, and the duo will be up against a quality Sevilla attack. Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest should line up at left-back and right-back respectively.
In Youssef En-Nesyri, Sevilla have a forward who can test defenders aerially and is a strong finisher. The Barcelona defence can ill-afford to give him too much time and space in the penalty area.
Barcelona were beaten 2-0 by Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey nearly a fortnight ago, but this will be a much-changed backline to the one that played that night at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Midfielders
Sergio Busquets will once again feature as the deepest midfielder in the Barcelona lineup. The Spaniard’s distribution will be key against Sevilla as the hosts don’t have too many weaknesses, but could be tested on the break.
Frenkie De Jong and Pedri are likely to complete the midfield. The latter’s progress this season has been one of the bright spots so far, and he will be key with his ability to take on players and create space for others in attack.
De Jong has arguably been Barcelona’s best midfielder this season, and if he can add more goals to his game, he will be the complete player. He has managed three goals and four assists so far this season.
The Blaugrana midfield will come up against their former player Ivan Rakitic. Sevilla have a combination of power and guile in their midfield, something Barcelona lack. So this will be a crucial battle on the pitch.
Forwards
Lionel Messi was in his elements against Cadiz in the previous game as he looked like the Messi of old, slaloming past players and finishing moves with aplomb. If the same Messi turns up against Sevilla, Barcelona are likely to come away with all three points.
Messi’s understanding with Antoine Griezmann has improved in recent months under Koeman, and the duo will need to keep at it if Barcelona are to lift the title this season.
Griezmann is expected to start on the left side of the Barcelona attack. The Frenchman has managed only six goals this season, and will want to improve that tally before the end of the season.
Ousmane Dembele is the other player in the front three. The Frenchman has been easy on the eye at times, but equally infuriating too. His output still needs improving, and Koeman will hope he can put away his chances more clinically.
Dembele will provide the flair in attack from the right flank. Sevilla’s defending has been pretty impressive this season as they have the joint-best defensive record with Atletico Madrid. The Barcelona forwards will have their work cut out come Saturday.
