Fati & Alba to return; Gavi unavailable: Predicted 4-3-3 Barcelona lineup vs Valencia

FC Barcelona are looking to maintain their seven-point lead at the top of the league table as they take on Valencia at home later this afternoon.

Coming on the back of a slender 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Copa Del Rey, the Catalans will be looking to build on to the momentum by securing yet another victory. And here, at Barça Universal, we will take a look at the potential eleven that could feature against Valencia, in this crucial league encounter.

Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the undisputed starter in goal for Barcelona, having emerged as one of the best-performing goalkeepers in not only Spain but also in Europe.

Ahead of him, coach Xavi Hernandez might look to make one little tweak in the four-man backline. While Ronald Araujo was deployed at right-back in midweek to keep hold of Vinicius Junior, the Uruguayan international looks set to return to a centre-back role this weekend.

Araujo is likely to partner Andreas Christensen at the heart of the four-man backline, whereas Jules Kounde should return to the right-back slot. Both he and Jordi Alba are set to occupy the fullback slots, thus completing the four-man defence for Barcelona as they look to maintain their defensive solidity in La Liga.

Midfield

Barcelona have to cope with a few absentees in the middle of the park. Pedri is out injured, having picked up a knock earlier in the year. Along with him, Gavi is also not available due to suspension, which could severely deplete Xavi’s ranks in midfield.

Fortunately for Barcelona, Franck Kessie has been performing exceedingly well. Although he has been subjected to a move away from Camp Nou as well, the Ivorian is set to continue in the interior position, alongside Frenkie de Jong.

Sergio Busquets, on the other hand, should assume the defensive midfield role. The Spaniard’s composure and experience could go a long way in helping Barcelona dominate the proceedings against Valencia this afternoon.

Attack

Barcelona will once again miss out on the services of Robert Lewandowski due to his latest injury. The Pole is expected to return on March 19, when Barça lock horns with Real Madrid in La Laliga.

But in his absence, Xavi is likely to deploy Ansu Fati in the central role. Ousmane Dembele, too, is injured, meaning Ferran Torres and Raphinha will continue to provide support to Fati from the flanks.

The Bench

Despite the injury of Lewandowski, Pedri and Dembele, coupled with the suspension of Gavi, Xavi has no shortage of options from the bench.

Alejandro Balde is someone who can add more firepower and pace in the left-back position, whereas Sergi Roberto is always an option to operate either in defence or midfield. Pablo Torre is another curious alternative for Kessie in central midfield, should Xavi look for creativity and technical efficiency.

As for the attacking department, youth prospect Angel Alarcon can serve as more of a traditional option in the number nine position, should Fati fail to provide the goods.