Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the season during the weekend after going down 2-1 against newly promoted Deportivo Alaves at the Nou Camp in what was a shock result.
Manager Luis Enrique perhaps underestimated Alaves by putting up a weakened side on the night but it has to be said that the team which did start during the clash should have been more than capable of earning the right result against the minnows.
The defeat was most certainly not the best way for Barcelona to prepare for their Champions League opener against Celtic on Tuesday night and one can be sure that Enrique will be looking to put out his strongest side for the encounter.
Here is the strongest possible Barcelona lineup for the clash against Celtic –
Goalkeeper
Jasper Cillessen started in goal against Alaves but it looks all but certain that the Dutchman will be replaced by Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the lineup on Tuesday.
Ter Stegen has managed to start the season on a very positive note and he will surely be keen on earning a clean sheet during the encounter.
Defence
There is expected to be wholesale changes at the back as well with the likes of Jeremy Mathieu, Lucas Digne, Aleix Vidal and Javier Mascherano all being dropped to make way for the first choice backline of Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti respectively.
The Barcelona backline during the weekend certainly looked a bit shaky and the return of the regulars in midweek should mean that the Catalans will be more solid in defence.
Midfield
Andres Iniesta was handed a rest against Alaves but one can be sure that the Barcelona skipper will be returning to the fold against Celtic.
It is likely that Iniesta will be replacing the young Denis Suarez in the lineup while the midfield is expected to be completed with the duo of Sergio Busquests and Ivan Rakitic starting as well.
Attack
The duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were not used from the start against Alaves, with Paco Alcacer and Arda Turan being handed a chance.
However, the duo were very ineffective against Alaves and it looks certain that Messi and Suarez will be starting alongside Neymar to form the deadly MSN attack for the first time this season.
(4-3-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
