Predicted XI

Lenglet to return - How Barcelona could line up against Alaves

The French defender was left out of the starting XI for the cup match against Sevilla but is expected to return

 
10:05am on Friday 12th February 2021
By
Martin Macdonald

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman will likely recall defender Clement Lenglet into his starting XI for this weekend's La Liga fixture versus Alaves.

Lenglet was surprisingly left out of the line-up for the Copa del Rey match against Sevilla during the week, with Samuel Umtiti preferred in the centre-of the defence alongside Oscar Mingueza.

Barcelona would go on to lose the first leg of the semi-final 2-0, with no member of the four-man backline covering themselves in glory.

Junior Firpo started that game at right-back due to injuries to Sergi Roberto and Sergino Dest, but the latter completed full training on Thursday so he could be rushed back to start as Koeman runs out of options at full-back.

Jordi Alba will likely start on the left again.

The midfield three of Sergio Busquets, Pedro, and Frenkie de Jong all all scored a 6.0 FC Rating for their performances against Sevilla, but with Miralem Pjanic likely to be absent for the Alaves match, the trio will probably start again despite their ineffectual outing during the week.

Koeman isn't blessed with options in the forward areas, either, which will mean starts for Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele.

Martin Braithwaite could be available, but probably wouldn't have started anyway.

Should Koeman opt to make any changes to his midfield or forward line, the only two players pushing for minutes are Riqui Puig and Francisco Trincao.

In terms of other injuries, Barcelona remain without Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, Philippe Coutinho, and Ronald Araujo.

Barcelona predicted XI against Alaves

Latest news

FC

What Footballers Get Up to in Australia – Pre- Season Tours and Hobbies

Travel is part of life for footballers, and commercial opportunities have taken plenty of teams to the land down under

  • 1 month
FC

Saudi Arabia's Chase For Liverpool's Salah Might Not Be Over Yet

With the emergence of the Saudi Pro League this summer and the huge spending spree their clubs went on

  • 2 months
Manchester City

Manchester City’s UEFA Shot: What You Need to Know

It’s important to keep your friends close—And enemies closer, and it's true for Manchester City at the moment

  • 3 months

Top 5 Premier League Managerial Meltdowns

A showcase of the top five most infamous managerial meltdowns from the Premier League.

  • 3 months

Analyzing Team Form and Performance for Betting Success

A look at the key elements in analyzing team performance and form to help in sports betting.

  • 3 months
World Cup

Nike Women's World Cup Clothing Now Available

Nike Women's World Cup Clothing Now Available

  • 4 months

Most read