Interim coach Sergi Barjaun will once again be on the bench for FC Barcelona when the Catalan giants take on Celta Vigo at the Estadio de Balaidos.
The Blaugrana have won just one of their last five games in La Liga and sit on the ninth position having played 11 games.
The team’s poor form is uncharacteristic, especially considering the talent that former coach Ronald Koeman had under his belt.
On the other hand, Celta Vigo sit on the 15th spot and much like Barcelona, have won just one of their last five league games.
In the last six encounters between both sides Barcelona has won three, drawn two and lost one match while scoring 12 goals and conceding seven in the process.
FC Barcelona is flooded with injuries yet again with Sergio Aguero, Martin Braithwaite, Pedri, Gerard Pique and Ousmane Dembele set to miss the fixture while the presence of Sergi Roberto and Sergino Dest remains doubtful.
(Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Marc Andre Ter Stegen (GK)
He will be the man safeguarding the goal post as usual. The German has only managed to keep three clean sheets this season and will be hoping to add to the tally.
Ronald Araujo (CB)
The youngster made a return from an injury in the match against Dynamo Kyiv and played 11 minutes. If he is fully fit then he will be the first-choice centre back for the coach.
Eric Garcia (CB)
The Spaniard made a comeback to his boyhood club in the summer transfer window but is yet to show his best form.
Oscar Mingueza (RB)
Oscar’s pass led to Ansu Fati’s winner against Dynamo Kyiv and he will be filling in for Roberto and Dest.
Jordi Alba (LB)
Age is just a number for Alba as the 32-year-old remains an imminent attacking threat on the left flank. However, he needs to work on his defensive abilities.
Frenkie De Jong (CM)
The Dutchman is back from injury and will slot right back into his position in the starting XI.
Sergio Busquets (DM)
The Spaniard is far from his best days but his ability to read the game gives him an upper hand over the other midfield options for the coach.
(Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Pablo Gavi (CM)
The youngster has been a revelation for Barcelona and has found his footing in the starting XI at just 17 years of age. His uncanny ability to break the defensive lines and move the ball forward are desperately needed.
Ansu Fati (LW)
Barcelona’s new number ten has been helping them save face every time he has stepped onto the pitch. He’s the team’s brightest spark and it’s no secret that most of the attacks flow through him.
Memphis Depay (ST)
The Dutchman is the only striker that Barcelona can rely on following Sergio Aguero’s medical diagnosis and he will be hoping to add to his tally.
Philippe Coutinho (LW)
The Brazilian has never really found his footing at the Spanish club and has been linked with an exit in the January transfer window. However, he will be hoping to make the best of the remaining time at the club.
Barcelona have failed to score a goal in their last three away matches in the league and need to break the jinx in order to get their season back on track.
Ferno
Guest
I reckon Coutinho asks himself, everyday, what would have been if he remained in Liverpool, where his football was good and he was happy.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Thanks Gauri, Nice to have some more La Liga content on the Roar. I don't think Barça has a lot of options. But Coutinho just doesn't work in a 4-3-3, IMO. He should only start if they're playing 3-5-2. I'd give young Demir a run, maybe even Puig or the other de Jong.
Pete Za
Roar Rookie
Nice article Gauri. Hopefully Celta Vigo do me a favour and win. I think it's nice to see other clubs have the chance to claim a place in Europe. I'm definitely no financial guru however it astounds me that Barca are still operating considering the level of debt they are in.
Coastyboi
Guest
I wouldn’t mind having some of these players in the A-League. Quality footballers.