MX23RW : Friday, November 22 04:48:09| >> :120:39882:39882:
[monks data]
Attendance: 70,316
Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 6
Sep 24, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
Villarreal logo

2-1

Griezmann (6'), Arthur (15')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Cazorla (44')

How Barcelona could line up against Villarreal

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up for Tuesday's La Liga clash with Villarreal at El Madrigal.

Barcelona travel to Villarreal hoping for a better evening than they had at Granada on Saturday, conceding after 65 seconds in a rare La Liga defeat.

Coach Ernesto Valverde's selection decisions have been questioned in the aftermath of the defeat, with Lionel Messi left on the bench and major signing Antoine Griezmann seemingly instructed to play on the wing.

The reigning champions lost 2-0 and are languishing in the early table after taking seven points from their opening five matches, winning twice.

Barca have made their worst start to a season for 25 years and are without an away victory in eight since a win at Alaves in April, losing five of those matches.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Barca could line up for Tuesday's La Liga match.



Possible BAR XI vs. VIL

Out: Jordi Alba (hamstring), Samuel Umtiti (foot), Ousmane Dembele (hamstring)

> Click here for Barcelona's full injury and suspension list ahead of this match

Versatile left-back Junior Firpo deputised for the injured Jordi Alba against Granada, putting in an unconvincing performance in a defence on the back foot from kickoff.

Culpable for the lightning opening goal, Firpo was replaced by Ansu Fati at half time, and his place could be under immediate threat now.

Winger Carles Perez was also withdrawn at half time, Valverde yielding to temptation by bringing on Messi in an attempt to rescue the game.

Messi and Fati could start against Villarreal, although the loudest question probably concerns where Griezmann will play, having looked marooned and injected little impact on the match from wide.

Ousmane Dembele is not an option, although the forward is not far from returning after a hamstring problem, and classy centre-back Samuel Umtiti will not be available to help improve Barcelona's defence until the end of October because of a foot injury.

Ivan Rakitic has been linked with a move away from Barcelona in January and could find his place taken by Arturo Vidal, who replaced him in the second half at Granada.

ID:372541: cacheID:372541:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4807:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts as Valencia score their second in the Copa del Rey final on May 25, 2019
Read Next:
How Barcelona could line up against Dortmund
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Steelers
@
Browns
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!