TheSportsRush brings Barcelona’s expected lineup vs Tottenham, as Valverde’s side aims to bring season back on track.
Barcelona take on Tottenham Hotspur in their match day two clash of the UEFA Champions League at the Wembley Stadium. El Blaugrana will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after three winless results in the domestic league.
The game against Mauricio Pochettino’s side is the perfect setting to seal all three points and have a boost in their morale ahead of a demanding month. Let’s have a look at Ernesto Valverde’s likely eleven.
DEFENCE
Barcelona have had severe defensive frailties this season and lost points. In spite of not living up to the expectations he set last season, Marc Andre Ter Stegen has been performing quite decently.
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The Germany shot stopper will play once again versus Tottenham, this time hoping to keep his first clean sheet since three matches. Gerard Pique is another player who needs to pull his socks up, but his experience will come handy against Harry Kane.
Samuel Umtiti’s suspension opens the door for Clement Lenglet to start, while Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba will play as the full backs.
MIDFIELD
Despite having a host of quality players to his disposal in the midfield, Ernesto Valverde has not been shuffling things in the centre of the park. Sergio Busquets is the obvious choice to occupy the position of the defensive midfielder.
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— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 2, 2018
Ivan Rakitic has had a busy summer and similar start to the season, but there seems to be no breathing space for the Croatia international. Another start for him beckons. Phillippe Coutinho has cemented his place as the left midfielder over the last few matches and chipped in with goals.
He will be the best bet to complete the midfielder three.
ATTACK
The Catalans have a misfiring attack this season, but Lionel Messi has inevitably delivered. After being in the centre of things for most of Barcelona’s matches this season, the Argentine forward scored a hat-trick against PSV Eindhoven in his last Champions League match and will hope to repeat the feat versus Spurs.
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— Barça Centre (@barcacentre) October 3, 2018
Luis Suarez is another player who will have the pressure of performing well since Munir El Haddadi is knocking on the door after a convincing display against Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
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To complete the line-up, Ousmane Dembele will play as the right winger, hoping to find the purple patch he gained at the start of the season but has lost since.
Barcelona’s expected lineup:
