Predicted Barcelona lineup against Sevilla — Lenglet, Umtiti to start together

The Copa del Rey is what the side strives for now. Though La Liga is still mathematically within reach, it seems to be all but set for Atletico Madrid. Given the notoriously difficult path ahead in the Champions League too, the Cup becomes all the more important for the Catalans.

Barcelona put up a dramatic comeback in the dying minutes of the quarterfinals to break Granada’s hearts. A stellar showing from Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Jordi Alba were just too much for the hosts. On top of that, the display against Real Betis will boost the side even further.

The cup may be the most realistic shot at silverware, yet one cannot underestimate the competition. Barcelona have been drawn alongside Sevilla in the semifinals in what promises to be a mouthwatering clash. Unlike previous rounds, the semifinals are scheduled over two legs. The first clash is at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan for Wednesday night. Here is how Barcelona should lineup against Sevilla

Defence

The cup usually indicates its time for Marc Andre ter Stegen to enjoy his day off, relaxing by the sidelines. However, Wednesday night could provide a different storyline. With the massive stakes and the colossal importance of the cup in this campaign, the German could indeed be back on duty.

Ronald Araujo’s injury is a massive blow to the Blaugranas. Barcelona have conceded three and two goals, respectively, in their last two encounters. That indeed sparks worry at the centre-back pairing.

Clement Lenglet will certainly start the game, likely alongside his fellow countryman Samuel Umtiti. The duo does not have the best of records playing together and usually warrant a helter-skelter defensive showing. However, with the pairing being forced at the moment, the duo will start.

Injuries to Sergi Roberto and Sergino Dest force a third decision from the Dutch manager. Oscar Mingueza will have to start as the right-back on the night, with there being no further options on the horizon. Mingueza has been impressive, but clearly misplaced in position. Despite covering up reasonably in defence, he understandably struggles going forward.

Jordi Alba has been back to his monstrous best. A performance like the one against Granada can do miracles to a man’s confidence, and it clearly shown in Alba’s games. Noe whilst still high on belief, the Spaniard will have to pull out another wonder from his hat because Sevilla are no easy nut to crack. One thing is certain, an in-form Jordi Alba is a massive asset for Ronald Koeman.

Midfield

The injuries keep flowing for Barcelona, as Miralem Pjanic too finds himself ruled out. That said, Koeman will stick to his gala midfield, the trio that has steered Barcelona out of even the trickiest situations with ease.

Starting as the pivot will be Barcelona’s centrepiece, Sergio Busquets. Though he had a disappointing performance against Real Betis, one would not want to meddle too much with a working combination. Busquets on his day can be a torment to oppositions, and Barcelona need all of that and more.

Koeman is spoilt for choice with Pedri and Riqui Puig fighting for the left-central midfield spot. However, Pedri has taken every opportunity fed to his with arms wide open and reiterated constantly his importance in the side. What position has the youngster failed in? His consistency and flexibility are audacious and his impact on the game unfathomable. He will start in front of Barcelona’s veteran defensive midfielder on the night, and look to dictate the play from between the lines.

Frenkie de Jong came on as a substitute early in the game against Real Betis and finished with a flawless 100% pass accuracy. Though partially responsible for the first goal conceded, he was playing out of position as a makeshift centre-back. The Dutch midfielder has been unstoppable in 2021 and will look to make a bigger impact in February than January when he was arguably Barcelona’s best player.

Forward

Just as the midfield is sorted for major clashes, Koeman finally seems to have found a solid front three. A combination that has the right combination of order, disorder, pace, skill, exuberance and experience.

Ousmane Dembele forms the right arm of this terrifying trio, as his performances begin to silence even his worst critics. The all-round growth in his game is unbelievable. The Frenchman is taking mature decisions, finding key passes and constantly tormenting and opening up opposition defences.

Lionel Messi — otherworldly. The worth of the Argentine just cannot be measured. Not even two weeks after the shocking revelation of his contract, and all the vessels that made the loudest noise have been shut by Leo himself. It did not take him a single interview or statement or social media post to do that. As always, his performances spoke loud and clear, and all of a sudden nobody has an issue with him being paid the amount he is. Messi is a constant in a working Barcelona, and Wednesday will be no different.

The final cog in the trio is none other than Antoine Griezmann. 2021 has truly brought out a totally new version of the Frenchman. He is involved in every attack, conspicuously making the right runs and also involved in audacious goals. He finally looks like one of our very own. The World-cup winner is finally linking up with the captain like never before.

Griezmann · Messi · Dembele
Pedri · Busquets · de Jong
Alba · Umtiti · Lenglet · Mingueza
ter Stegen

Substitutions

Fransisco Trincao has to be on the top of the list of substitutes. After his stunning strike to seal the late win for Barcelona, the Portuguese international has finally got the kick-start that he so desperately required. Now high on confidence, Trincao could well be a trump card, but it is hard to see him in the Barcelona lineup against Sevilla.

Riqui Puig has often provided more of an impact off the bench than in his starts. This could be well exploited by the manager, and he could look to use the youngsters’ skill and energy to destabilize a tired Sevilla even if he does not make it to the Barcelona starting lineup.