90min

The Barcelona Lineup That Should Start Against Levante

By Max Parsons

Lionel Messi after a disappointing showing against Juventus
Lionel Messi after a disappointing showing against Juventus / DeFodi Images/Getty Images
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Catalan giants Barcelona host struggling Levante on Sunday night, in a La Liga clash that both sides will see as a must win.

The visitors sit 18th in the division, two points from safety but did enjoy a promising 3-0 win over Getafe last tine out.

As for the hosts, it has been an overwhelmingly mediocre start to the season by Barcelona standards. The Blaugrana sit ninth in the table and have lost their last two in all competitions. Ronald Koeman's side put on a truly woeful display in midweek as Juventus ran out comfortable 3-0 winner at the Camp Nou, making this season the first time in 14 years that the club haven't qualified for the Champions League knockout phase as group winners.

Last time out in the league, Koeman's side embarrassingly lost to Cadiz, who triumphed over Barcelona for the first time in their history - condemning the Catalan giants to their worst start to a league season in over 30 years in the process.

Here's the lineup that should start to overturn their unwanted form.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Barcelona's number one
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: Barcelona's number one / David Ramos/Getty Images

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - The world class goalkeeper remains the club's number one choice between the sticks.

Sergino Dest (RB) - The US international has shown a lot of potential as he has become a regular starter for the Blaugrana, and will feature again at right back for Koeman's side.

Ronald Araujo (CB) - The young Uruguayan has been preferred to Oscar Mingueza recently and, in Gerard Pique's absence, looks set to start again.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - The Frenchman is a guaranteed starter as the left sided central defender for Barca, and will provide some much-needed experience alongside Araujo.

Jordi Alba (LB) - Also providing experience is the Spaniard at left back. He's played in nine of the opening ten games this season, and looks ready to feature again.

2. Midfielders

Griezmann has definitely improved his form in recent weeks
Griezmann has definitely improved his form in recent weeks / David Ramos/Getty Images

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - The Dutchman has played in every league game this year and is a crucial part of this Barcelona side - a sure-fire starter for the game on Sunday night.

Sergio Busquets (CM ) - The Barcelona legend has missed just one La Liga game this season, and his experience will provide a defensive stability to Koeman's midfield.

Antoine Griezmann (CAM) - The 2018 World Cup winner scored a peach of a volley in his side's last league win. The Frenchman looks set to feature in the number ten role behind the principle striker.

3. Forwards

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi was outshone by Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi was outshone by Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday / David Ramos/Getty Images

Lionel Messi (RW) - The Argentine will look to inspire his colleagues to a much needed victory as he has done so many times before. So long as he's at Barcelona, Messi will be the first name on the team sheet.

Martin Braithwaite (ST) - The former Middlesbrough striker will likely come into the lineup as the main striker in the absence of Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele through injury.

Philippe Coutinho (LW) - Brazilian playmaker Coutinho did not feature on Tuesday night and will likely play in this one. He could play out left in this one, but don't be surprised if he lines up as an attacking-mid with Griezmann shunted out wide instead.