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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.
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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.
