How should Barcelona line up against Sevilla?

La Liga returns this weekend and Barcelona head to Sevilla on Saturday as they aim to continue their unbeaten run in the league and close in on the title.

Ernesto Valverde will have to consider his team carefully after the international break and with Roma up next in the Champions League on Wednesday.

With that in mind let’s have a look at how they might line up.

Defence

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up a knee problem on international duty but Joachim Low didn’t seem too bothered about it in his press conference and he’s been pictured back in training at Barcelona since.

There’s a chance Jasper Cillessen could step in if the problem is still an issue, but if not then expect the Germany international to take his regular place in between the sticks.

Sergi Roberto will probably get the nod at right-back as he should be fresh after missing out on a Spain call-up with Jordi Alba at left-back

Expect to see Gerard Pique grimace his way through another match, alongside Samuel Umtiti, unless Valverde decided to bring in Thomas Vermaelen.

Midfield

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Sergio Busquets is definitely out of this one and Ivan Rakitic may also sit it out as he’s only just back from the US where he spent the international break with Croatia.

Ousmane Dembele could start on the right with Philippe Coutinho on the left, as he will miss the midweek Champions League game against Roma.

Carles Alena has been training with the first team so could possibly get a start in midfield but it’s more likely Paulinho and Andre Gomes will get the nod for what could be a tricky away trip.

Sergi Roberto is also a midfield option, with Nelson Semedo fit again and able to take his place at right-back, but Valverde seems to prefer him in defence these days.

Attack

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The big question in attack is of course whether Lionel Messi will start. Ernesto Valverde tried to calm fears over his injury earlier in the week and has shown previously he prefers to play his strongest line up.

If Messi doesn’t make it then Paco Alcacer should come in and given he scored twice the last time the two sides met he could well make the starting XI on Saturday.

Possible starting XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Dembele, Paulinho, Gomes, Coutinho; Alcacer, Suarez.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Sevilla? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!