FC Barcelona XI vs Villarreal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, latest injuries for LaLiga game
Barcelona kick off their 2020-21 season in LaLiga against Villarreal tonight as the Catalans begin life without Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan striker signed for Atletico Madrid on Friday and has been replaced in the centre-forward role by Antoine Griezmann in the Camp Nou clash.
Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati play either side of Lionel Messi in Ronald Koeman’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
January signing Francisco Trincao was also in contention on the right after some impressive showings in the club’s pre-season friendlies.
Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets start in the double pivot in midfield, with Miralem Pjanic in line to make his debut from the bench after joining from Juventus in June.
First-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still recovering from knee surgery, so Neto takes his place between the sticks.
Martin Braithwaite and Samuel Umtiti are sidelined, but young midfielder Riqui Puig will be on the bench despite being told previously by Koeman he was not in the club’s plans for this season.
Barcelona XI: Neto, Roberto, Lenglet, Pique, Alba, De Jong, Busquets, Coutinho, Messi, Griezmann, Ansu Fati
