Barcelona Shake Up Midfield for Villarreal Clash as Injury Crisis Forces Major Lineup Overhaul
Barcelona climbed back to the top of La Liga last weekend and have the opportunity to widen their lead by defeating third-place Villarreal this Saturday.
The Catalan club's commanding 3–0 victory against Levante, combined with Real Madrid's surprising loss at Osasuna, allowed Hansi Flick's squad to reclaim their single-point lead—an ideal answer to their Copa del Rey setback against Atlético Madrid and additional La Liga frustration versus Girona.
The Blaugrana suffered defeat in this matchup during the second-to-last week of last season, despite having already secured the championship, but they anticipate a more favorable result at Camp Nou this weekend.
Barcelona Boosted By Pedri Comeback
Barcelona Boosted By Pedri Comeback
Three points and a shutout weren't the only positives to celebrate from the Levante match, as Barcelona also welcomed back their star playmaker Pedri into action. The Spanish midfielder had been sidelined for a month due to injury but managed to make a substitute appearance in last weekend's triumph.
After emerging from that match without issues and completing another week of preparation, Pedri looks set to regain his spot in the starting formation. Facing a formidable Villarreal side, Flick will rely on the midfielder's brilliance. Unfortunately, this coincides with Frenkie de Jong being sidelined for up to six weeks—creating a situation of one player returning as another departs from midfield.
Marcus Rashford was also included in the matchday roster against Levante, though he remained on the bench throughout, while Gavi's recent return to training has provided additional optimism in Catalonia. After being absent since last August, he will be gradually reintegrated over the upcoming weeks and is unlikely to participate against Villarreal.
Andreas Christensen and young prospect Jofre Torrents remain the only players in the medical bay currently, though Gerard Martín will be unavailable for Saturday's encounter due to suspension.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Following a relatively calm performance against Levante with minimal saves required, García anticipates a more demanding afternoon facing La Liga's third-most prolific attacking side.
RB: Jules Koundé—Alberto Moleiro, who has contributed nine goals and four assists in La Liga this campaign, will attempt to trouble Koundé. The French defender's form has declined this season, but he'll be confident in winning this battle.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Martín's suspension opens the door for Cubarsí's return to the defensive core. The young defender's comeback appeared probable anyway.
CB: Eric García—One of Flick's preferred players will be determined to maintain a third consecutive clean sheet, though Villarreal presents a significantly stronger attacking challenge than Mallorca or Levante.
LB: João Cancelo—A stellar display against Levante has secured Cancelo another chance at left-back. This marks just his fourth start for the Portuguese since rejoining Barça.
DM: Marc Casadó—With Frenkie de Jong surprisingly unavailable, the Dutch player's position might go to
Casadó, whose latest start occurred in the victory over Mallorca on Feb. 7.
DM: Pedri—Barcelona have sorely missed their elegant orchestrator, and while his playing time will likely be carefully monitored in upcoming fixtures, his return will be warmly received throughout Camp Nou this Saturday—except by Villarreal supporters, naturally.
RW: Lamine Yamal—After finding the net in his second consecutive match against Villarreal this season, the young talent will aim to make it three straight this weekend.
AM: Fermín López—A spectacular strike sealed the victory against Levante and may have secured López a promotion to the first team.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian also scored alongside Yamal in the 2–0 win over Villarreal just before Christmas and continues searching for his first goal since recovering from injury.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Facing the possibility of losing his spot to Ferran Torres, a lackluster showing against Levante puts the Polish striker's position at risk. Nevertheless, he should retain his place for the time being.