Barcelona predicted lineup vs Sevilla - La Liga
- Barcelona host Sevilla in late-night La Liga action
- Hansi Flick's side seeking to maintain lead atop the standings
- Boss has a handful of key selection decisions to make
By Tom Gott
Barcelona are looking to re-establish their lead atop the La Liga standings when they host Sevilla on Sunday.
The Blaugrana remain in first place but watched Real Madrid move level on points with Saturday's win over Celta Vigo, albeit having played one extra game. There can be no slip-ups if Barca hope to remain in pole position.
Here's the lineup Hansi Flick could opt for.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Sevilla (4-2-3-1)
GK: Inaki Pena - Despite the arrival of Wojciech Szczesny, it's Pena who appears set to be given the chance to establish himself as the first-choice stopper in Marc-Andre ter Stegen's absence.
RB: Jules Kounde - One of the top performers at the back, Kounde will hope to impact this game at both ends of the field.
CB: Pau Cubarsi - The Golden Boy nominee has been a permanent fixture under Flick and is under no real threat of losing his position while Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are out injured.
CB: Inigo Martinez - One of the biggest surprises of the season has been Martinez's resurgence. Expected to be sold in the summer, the veteran has instead formed a smart partnership with Cubarsi.
LB: Alejandro Balde - Sevilla's danger man is right-sided forward Dodi Lukebakio, so Balde may need to focus more on the defensive side of his game here.
DM: Marc Casado - While Gavi is expected back on the bench for this one, it's young Casado who will retain his place in the starting lineup.
DM: Pedri - Pedri appears to have enjoyed the change in shape brought with Flick's arrival and has been integral to Barcelona's success.
RM: Pau Victor - With Lamine Yamal battling a muscle issue during the international break, Flick may put his faith in another young star in the form of Victor.
AM: Fermin Lopez - Dani Olmo is expected back from injury but may be made to start from the bench here as Flick turns to Fermin.
LM: Raphinha - The star of the show under Flick so far, Raphinha leads Barcelona for assists this season and is behind only a certain Polish star in the goal charts.
ST: Robert Lewandowski - There are plenty of rumours about Barcelona's plans for life without Lewandowski, but that's not because of a drop in performances. The 36-year-old already has ten goals this season, including a hat-trick last time out.
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