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How will Barcelona line up against Granada?

Borussia Dortmund v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Photo by Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barcelona are back in La Liga action after their Champions League exploits with a trip to Granada on Saturday night.

Ernesto Valverde has Lionel Messi fit and available for the first time in the league this season, while Ousmane Dembele could also make the squad.

However, he will have to make do without injured defenders Jordi Alba and Samuel Umtiti and may also have an eye on Tuesday’s match against Villarreal.

Let’s have a look at who may feature.

Defence

FC Barcelona v Real Betis Balompie - La Liga Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Marc-Andre Stegen should continue in goal after his heroics against Dortmund, but there will be changes in front of Germany’s finest.

Alba’s injury means Junior Firpo should start at left-back, although there’s always the chance Ernesto Valverde could switch Nelson Semedo to the left and bring in Sergi Roberto.

In the middle of defence it’s likely that Gerard Pique will continue with Clement Lenglet. However, Jean-Clair Todibo could get the nod over Lenglet given the France international has started every game for club and country this season.

Midfield

Borussia Dortmund v FC Barcelona: Group F - UEFA Champions League Photo by Peter Niedung/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Barcelona’s preferred midfield trio is starting to look like Sergio Busquets, Arthur and Frenkie de Jong, but the club’s busy schedule means there’s a chance we could see changes in the middle of the park.

Valverde has plenty of choice too given the amount of midfielders at the club. Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Roberto are the most likely to come in, while Carles Alena will probably be happy just to be named in the squad for once.

Attack

Borussia Dortmund v FC Barcelona: Group F - UEFA Champions League Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

Messi could make his first La Liga start of the season after returning from injury against Borussia Dortmund. Dembele may also be fit and available but is more likely to start from the bench.

Luis Suarez has a great record away at Granada (five in three appearances) and is likely to continue up front, while Antoine Griezmann should also keep his place in attack.

Youngsters Carles Perez and Ansu Fati will be hoping for more game time, but the return to fitness of Barca’s key players means they may struggle for first-team starts now.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Todibo, Firpo; Rakitic, Busquets, De Jong; Messi, Suarez, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Granada? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

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