Alba returns, Dembele starts in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Elche

After facing a packed schedule in February, Barcelona welcome March with a trip to Valencia to take on Elche. The fixture, scheduled for gameweek 27 of La Liga, will be played at Estadio Martinez Valero stadium.

The two teams have vastly different objectives for the season, and the final stretch of games becomes vital for their goals.

After dropping out of the Champions League this season, qualifying for the competition next season is Barcelona’s top priority. They currently sit in 4th place, a point shy of top three, but with a game in hand.

Elche hung on to 17th place last season, surviving relegation by the skin on their teeth. This time out, however, they have managed to take a substantial lead over the drop zone, currently sitting in 14th place.

Over the course of the past month, Barça showed that they are capable of going toe to toe with the best in the league and Europe. However, the slightest of miscalculations could cost them dearly in the long run. The first step to avoid complacency begins with the starting lineup.

The starting XI

After getting a week’s worth of rest, Barcelona should ideally be fresh and ready to field their starting XI. They must, however, keep in mind the midweek clash vs Galatasary. As such, we expect Xavi to rotate a couple of pieces in his strongest side, but nothing out of the blue.

Starting with the attack, we are likely to see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lead the line again in the 4-3-3. The Gabonese striker has scored five goals in his last three games, and will look to keep firing on all cylinders.

Ferran Torres has seen a continuous run of games without resting, and consequently, we expect him to start off the bench against Elche. Ousmane Dembele and Adama Traore will likely take over duties on the wings, on the left and right, respectively.

Spoilt for choice in midfield, Xavi will, in all probability, continue with his first-choice midfield trident featuring Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Sergio Busquets.

Jordi Alba missed the game against Athletic Club due to suspension but will look to get back into the starting XI at left-back. Meanwhile, we expect Dani Alves to resume responsibilities on the right side.

Ronald Araujo was rushed back from his injury because of a scarcity of defenders but could be benched tomorrow as a precaution. With Eric Garcia fit and back, the Spaniard will likely start alongside his childhood hero, Gerard Pique. Marc-Andre ter Stegen retains his place in goal.

Predicted Barça XI: ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, de Jong; Adama, Aubameyang, Dembele

The bench V

Gavi is suspended for the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 and will undoubtedly get minutes tomorrow, even if it is off the bench. Nico has been a constant feature for Xavi in the latter stages of games, and will likely be brought on as a substitute.

We can expect one of Memphis Depay or Ferran Torres to make an appearance in the final states of the games. Sergino Dest, meanwhile, could be brought on to keep him fresh for the Galatasary game.

Finally, it would not be far-fetched to expect the king of late goals for Barcelona, Luuk de Jong, to be brought on. He scored a goal vs Athletic Club and will hope to take his tally to six goals in 2022.