Matchday 3 of our La Liga season sees Barça come up against a struggling Sevilla side. Live from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan at 9pm Local time. So far, we’ve been able to pick up 7 points out of 9 from our first 3 games. Not a bad start at all. The most encouraging part for me is that as each game goes by, we’re looking better and better.
There’s still a long way to go. It will take time for all our new signings to perfectly click. And for the team to get to a constant point. But there have been very positive signs so far. Especially from our last game against Real Valladolid. And we’re going to be looking to build on from these sensations with a positive result tonight.
A quick look at our opponents:
In terms of who we’ll be facing tonight. Sevilla have had a very difficult start to the season. Having recently lost 2-1 away at newly promoted UD Almeria. Over the summer, they have lost a lot of key players. Without a doubt their biggest departures have obviously come at centre back. With Diego Carlos going to Aston Villa. And of course Jules Kounde leaving to Barça. Which for us is very good news. But for Sevilla, these departures have really effected their start to the season.
Lucas Ocampos left for Ajax on deadline day. Which has only made their front line options weaker. Games between the Catalan and Andalusian are always entertaining and fiercely competitive. Especially at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Although our opponents have struggled so far, you can never write them off in these games. We’re going to have to play as good as we did last weekend to secure a good result. Ensuring that we stay rock solid at the back and clinical upfront.
Predicted Lineup:
When it comes to the predicted lineup, once again there are many positions up in the air. And in contrast to Sevilla, we have got such a deep squad that we can afford to make rotations and still have a strong lineup. Ter stegen will remain in goal. There’s no doubt about that. He’s started off brilliantly, showing signs of the real Ter stegen. The one we’ve grown to admire over the years.
With a much stronger defence in-front of him, he’ll be looking to continue his impressive form later tonight. Balde has to start at left back. He was exceptional against Real Sociedad, and was even better last week against Valladolid. Xavi is very impressed with him and is fully counting on him.
Although Marcos Alonso has been signed, it looks like he’ll be competing more with Jordi Alba for the second choice spot. As Balde has well and truly claimed the number 1 spot so far. And deservedly so! Bellerin has been registered but didn’t make the squad for tonight’s game. So far at least one more game, Kounde will probably be the Right back. Before moving back to a central position when Bellerin comes in.
Eric Garcia has been remarkable so far. He looks like a completely different player from last season. His distribution and build up play has been exceptional. So he deserves to start alongside Ronald Araujo.
When it comes to the midfield, I think things will remain relatively the same as last week. Frenkie could possibly come in and give a rest to Gavi. But he was exceptional against Valladolid. Initiating the press and tempo of the game.
Winning every ball back and making brilliant runs into the box. So personally I think Gavi will start once again. Alongside Pedri and Busi. It would be nice to see more of Kessie too. So hopefully he’ll get some more minutes tonight. It seems like a game that would suit him very well.
As for the attack, I again think that it will remain the same as last weekend. Although there could be one change. Ansu could possibly come in to replace Dembele. And it would be very nice to see Ansu start against Sevilla. The club is remaining cautious with him, and rightfully so. But he deserves a start tonight.
Out of Dembele of Raphinha, I think that the Brazilian magician will start on the right. After an incredible performance last week. He’ll most likely be starting alongside, of course, Robert Lewandowski. Who’ll be looking to extend his goal scoring streak even more!
My prediction:
Ter stegen
Kounde- Araujo- Eric- Balde
Pedri- Busi- Gavi
Raphinha- Lewandowski- Ansu
Visca Barça!
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