The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Celta Vigo
Barcelona look to return to the top of La Liga on Saturday, as they face Celta Vigo at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos.
The Blaugrana sit in second place due to their head-to-head record with leaders Real Madrid, but will look to return to the summit in due course. Quique Setién’s side are unbeaten in their last five league games, with just one defeat in their previous 10.
They make the trip to Galicia with two midfield absentees, alongside the injured Ousmane Dembélé. Frenkie de Jong is unavailable after picking up a calf injury, while the experienced Sergio Busquets is suspended.
Ahead of their big La Liga clash, this is the Barcelona lineup that should start against Celta Vigo.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Marc-André ter Stegen (GK) - The ever-present ter Stegen will be aiming to keep a sixth straight clean sheet on Saturday, and his 13th of the league season.
Nelson Semedo (RB) - Semedo should get the nod at right-back for his third consecutive start, as Spaniard Sergi Roberto remains bench-bound. The Portuguese international has five assists in 33 games, though is yet to score this campaign having netted just once in his entire Barcelona career.
Gerard Piqué (CB) - Piqué and Lenglet have formed a solid partnership in the heart of defence, as the former remains a key part of Barcelona’s defence. The 33-year-old has played 88% of the defending champions’ games this season, the third highest tally in the first team squad.
Clement Lenglet (CB) - Lenglet will partner up with Piqué again amid an impressive run of form, keeping Samuel Umtiti out of the starting XI. The Frenchman has three goals to his name so far, higher than any other Barcelona defender and more than Busquets, De Jong and Ivan Rakitić.
Jordi Alba (LB) - Alba will complete the Barça backline on Saturday, set to make his 28th appearance of the season. The Spanish full-back will be determined to push for another league title, having already won La Liga a remarkable five times throughout his career.
Midfielders
Arthur (CM) - Arthur has been an underrated yet vital part of Barcelona’s midfield, contributing greatly in the middle of the pitch. The Brazilian has four goals and four assists for the Blaugrana, and should retain his spot for the trip to Celta Vigo.
Arturo Vidal (CM) - With Busquets out through suspension, it gives the perfect chance for Arturo Vidal to start. The 33-year-old has only started 35% of La Liga games this season, yet has 10 goal contributions to his name - more than any other Barça midfielder.
Ivan Rakitić (CM) - Rakitić will complete the midfield three with a more attacking role, with Arthur and Vidal likely to sit deep and drop back when needed. He has made 35 appearances under Setién and will hope to net just his second goal of the season, with his first coming in their last game against Athletic Club.
Forwards
Lionel Messi (RW) - Having celebrated his 33rd birthday earlier this week, Messi will be eager to add to his already incredible tally. The Argentine has enjoyed another stellar season for Barcelona, scoring 26 goals and registering an equally impressive 19 assists in attack.
Luis Suárez (FW) - Raring to go after months on the sidelines, Suárez has 11 goals and eight assists in 21 La Liga appearances, including a run of 12 goal contributions in seven games.
Antoine Griezmann (LW) - Griezmann should get the nod on the left wing ahead of Martin Braithwaite and Ansu Fati, and rightly so. He has made more appearances than anyone else in the Barça squad, with 14 goals to his name in his debut campaign at the Camp Nou.
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