Barcelona welcome Granada to the Camp Nou as they aim to exorcise the ghosts of their midweek Champions League humbling at home to Bayern Munich.
Ronald Koeman’s side are unbeaten in La Liga this season, but the mood around the club has darkened as their defeat in Europe followed the deadline-day exit of Antoine Griezmann to champions Atletico Madrid.
Summer signing Memphis Depay has sparkled this term and Koeman will look to his compatriot to fire Barcelona back onto the winning trail, with questions surrounding the head coach's future.
Here’s how Barcelona could line up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (GK) - A dependable presence between the posts, the German invariably steps up when called upon.
Sergi Roberto (RB) - Whistled by the Camp Nou crowd during Barcelona’s midweek defeat to Bayern, the 29-year-old will be keen to answer the critics.
Ronald Araujo (CB) - There’s an opportunity for the Uruguayan to nail down a regular starting berth under Koeman after being one of the few Barça performers to emerge with credit from the midweek humiliation.
Gerard Pique (CB) - His return was welcomed last time out and the Spaniard made some crucial interventions.
Alejandro Balde (LB) - Rushed back for the Bayern game, Jordi Alba is stricken with a muscle injury, meaning youngster Balde should be given his first professional start.
2. Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (DM) - Showed his waning powers against the athleticism of Bayern, but the Spain international remains integral in domestic outings for Koeman.
Riqui Puig (CM) - Months of constant football has finally caught up the better of Pedri and he is set to miss this one with injury. Riqui Puig is most likely to step in, though Philippe Coutinho is another option.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) - The former Ajax man has firmly established himself as a fan favourite in Barcelona with his elegance on the ball.
3. Forwards
Yusuf Demir (RW) - The 18-year-old has yet to start under Koeman this term but he was bright as a second half substitute against Bayern Munich.
Luuk de Jong (ST) - Came under fire for his lack of influence in midweek, but the Dutchman’s qualities are likely to be underlined in tricky domestic games such as these.
Memphis Depay (LW) - The 27-year-old has scored or assisted in every one of Barcelona’s league outings this season.
This article was originally published on 90min as Barcelona predicted lineup vs Granada - La Liga.
Source: www.90min.com