Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Sevilla at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona will aim to bounce back to winning ways when they welcome Sevilla to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Friday night. And Xavi Hernandez is only bereft of the services of two first-team players ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are the only absentees for Barcelona, with the Blaugrana having an otherwise full-strength matchday squad. Meanwhile, after making a few rotations earlier this week against RCD Mallorca, some regulars should return.
Barcelona vs Sevilla Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Xavi did not discuss any team news updates during his pre-match press conference. But he gave props to Lamine Yamal, who has become an important member of Xavi’s squad at the Catalan club this season.
He said, “He is 16 years old and sometimes it shows. You can’t just play with the ball. You have to follow the full-back… That’s why I think he needs to be protected. He’s doing very well. Naturally. The problem is the physical burden. He’s a happy boy.”
But despite Xavi’s glowing praise, Yamal will not feature in the starting lineup against Sevilla on Friday. Instead, Raphinha will continue on the right flank, with Joao Felix also retaining his spot. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski should spearhead the home side’s attack, with Ferran Torres dropping to the bench.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri and de Jong’s absence means Oriol Romeu, Gavi, and Ilkay Gundogan are automatic picks. The trio will form a dynamic partnership in the middle of the park, with each one of them putting in the hard yards off the ball.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde should come in for Inigo Martinez at the back after a sub-par display by the summer signing. The Frenchman will join Ronald Araujo at the heart of the Barcelona defence. Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde should be the two full-backs, although Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso are viable alternatives. Finally, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will take his place between the sticks despite a horrendous performance against RCD Mallorca earlier this week.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, Romeu, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix
