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How should Barcelona line up against Villarreal?

The champions are at home on Tuesday

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

Barcelona are back in action on Tuesday in La Liga and will need to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Granada against Villarreal.

The champions have endured a poor start to the season but have been strong at home and put five goals past both Real Betis and Valencia.

A similar result on Tuesday would relieve some of the mounting pressure on Ernesto Valverde, but Villarreal come into the game on the back of two straight wins.

Let’s see who could feature on Tuesday:

Defence

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

The big question mark in defence is at left-back. Jordi Alba is still out with injury but Junior Firpo gifted Granada a goal on Saturday on his full debut and was subbed at half-time.

As such Junior is not guaranteed a start but Valverde could give him another chance against Villarreal or play Nelson Semedo on the left with Sergi Roberto at right-back.

The only other possible change would be at centre-back where Jean-Clair Todibo is available to give either Gerard Pique or Clement Lenglet a breather.

It’s worth noting that Pique has picked up four yellow cards already in La Liga and one more would see him suspended for Saturday’s trip to Getafe.

Midfield

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

Valverde made changes to his midfield against Granada but it did not work out too well, and he may switch things around again on Tuesday night.

Arthur and Sergio Busquets are the most likely options to come back into the starting XI, with Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Roberto dropping out.

Attack

Granada CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Lionel Messi could make his first La Liga start of the season on Tuesday after substitute appearances against Borussia Dortmund and Granada.

Yet there are decisions to make over who else should make up the attack. Antoine Griezmann has yet to shine for his new team, while Luis Suarez has been poor in recent games.

Youngsters Carles Perez and Ansu Fati remain options, while it is possible Ousmane Dembele could make his return from injury against Villarreal.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Junior; Arthur, Busquets, Frenkie; Messi, Griezmann, Dembele.

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

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