90min

The Barcelona lineup that should start against Real Valladolid

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Barcelona are looking to continue their fine form
Barcelona are looking to continue their fine form / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
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After negotiating the international break without picking up any more injuries, Barcelona return to La Liga action against struggling Real Valladolid on Monday night.

Since reverting to a 3-4-2-1 formation at the end of February, Ronald Koeman's side are unbeaten. They will be confident of extending their good run against Valladolid and further close the gap on leaders Atletico Madrid. With El Clasico to come next Saturday, a good result is particularly important.

Here is how the Blaugrana should line up for Monday's fixture...

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Frenkie De Jong
De Jong played every minute of the Netherlands' three World Cup qualifiers / BSR Agency/Getty Images

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - He is officially the third best goalkeeper in the world so barring any injuries, Ter Stegen will start.

Frenkie de Jong (CB) - De Jong embodies Ajax's Total Football philosophy. Since being moved to centre-back he has not put a foot wrong and has retained a creative influence on proceedings.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - Lenglet has only missed three La Liga games this season and two of those were through suspension.

Oscar Mingueza (CB) - Ronald Araujo has been pushing Mingueza hard for a starting spot but Koeman is unlikely to change a winning team. This should see the Spaniard get the nod.

2. Wing Backs & Midfielders

Sergino Dest
Dest was part of the United States side that beat Northern Ireland in the international break / John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Sergino Dest (RWB) - Not everyone is convinced by the 20-year-old and with Sergi Roberto fit again he may need to step up his output to retain his place. He did bag a brace last time out, though.

Sergio Busquets (CM) - He may not be quite as effective as he once was but few midfielders are better at their jobs than Busquets. He is still only 32 as well.

Pedri (CM) - The latest breakout out star from the famed La Masia academy, Pedri has been turning heads with his spritely performances all season. He made his Spain debut during the international break.

Jordi Alba (LWB) - The left-back has chipped in with a goal and an assist in his team's last three games. He will be looking to continue that fine run against Valladolid.

3. Forwards

Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, Sergino Dest
Barcelona's fluid front three have been clicking well of late / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Lionel Messi (FW) - We could be entering the closing act of La Pulga's cinematic career at Barça and he will desperate to go out with a bang.

Antoine Griezmann (FW) - After enduring a bit of a lean run, Griezmann has scored in each of his last two games. He has looked good recently and it is likely this streak will continue on Monday night.

Ousmane Dembele (FW) - Since returning from injury, Dembele has scored three times in 14 La Liga games. As there are few other options, thanks to the absences of Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati, he will still start.

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