Barcelona continued their terrifying run of form with a stunning 7-0 thrashing of Valencia in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi finals in midweek and on current form, it would take a brave man to bet against the Catalan giants achieving the treble once again this season.
However, things still remain tight in La Liga and Barcelona cannot afford to get complacent anytime soon despite their brilliant streak as the duo of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be keen on pouncing on any slip ups Luis Enrique’s men make.
Up next for Barcelona is an away trip to the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia to square off against Levante and although the match seems like a foregone conclusion against the bottom side, Enrique’s men will have to play well in order to avoid an upset.
Here is a strongest possible lineup for Barcelona on the night –
Goalkeeper
Claudio Bravo was given his customary rest during the midweek Copa del Rey encounter against Valencia and the Chilean is now expected to be making a return to the starting lineup at the expense of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Defence
Jeremy Mathieu was handed a start in the Copa del Rey against his former side in midweek but one should expect Dani Alves to earn a recall in place of the Frenchman while the likes of Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba will be retaining their spot in the starting lineup.
Javier Mascherano was provided a rest in midweek and as a result, the Argentine international is also likely to be making a return to the first XI at the expense of Aleix Vidal. Adriano and Marc Bartra will once again have to be content with a place on the bench.
Midfield
Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets started in the midweek Copa Del Rey encounter and they should once again feature from the start on Sunday.
Ivan Rakitic started on the bench against Valencia as Arda Turan took his spot in the starting lineup and with the Turkish international putting up a great showing, he is expected to continue.
Sergi Roberto made an appearance at half time in midweek and it would also not be a surprise if the youngster started during the clash in the place of Busquets.
Attack
Many are running out of superlatives to describe the trio fantastic of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
It was the duo of Messi and Suarez who tore the Valencia backline apart after grabbing all seven goals between them in midweek and the Levante defenders are surely already trembling with fear at the prospect of coming up against the trinity this weekend.
(4-3-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
