Araujo, Pedri start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Real Betis

Barcelona will be eager to move up the La Liga table when they lock horns with Real Betis away at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday night.

The Blaugrana put in one of their best performances of the season against Los Verdiblancos earlier in the campaign, beating them 5-0 in Montjuic. And, Xavi Hernandez & co. will be hoping for a repeat of the same tomorrow, although it might be easier said than done.

Even though Barça won their last game against Unionistas de Salamanca, the performances of late have been far from convincing. As such, Real Betis will pose a challenge, but a strong display and a win against them would boost the confidence of the team.

Leading up to the game, Barcelona have been handed a fresh injury concern as Andreas Christensen has been left out of the squad after he suffered discomfort vs Unionistas. He joins Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, Raphinha, and Marcos Alonso on the sidelines.

There will likely be some changes to the side made after the Unionistas and here’s how Xavi could set his Barcelona team up to face Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Starters

There is no looking past Inaki Pena in goal in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, although the young Spaniard will be looking to secure a few clean sheets now.

Andreas Christensen’s absence poses a quandary for Xavi in terms of his defensive personnel. With Ronald Araujo back from his suspension, he should occupy the centre-back position, alongside Jules Kounde.

Pau Cubarsi, who made his senior debut vs Unionistas, could be an option if Xavi opts to deploy either Kounde or Araujo at right-back. However, it is likely that captain Sergi Roberto continues on the right side of the defence, with Hector Fort on the bench again.

Alejandro Balde, who scored a fine goal against Unionistas, ought to continue as the left-back for Barcelona.

Guaranteed starters in midfield. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Oriol Romeu and Fermin Lopez started in the cup tie in midweek, but Xavi is set to hand his world-class trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, and Pedri a start in the centre of the park against Betis.

Ferran Torres has been in fine form of late and should get the nod on the left flank ahead of Joao Felix, who will be back on the bench.

Robert Lewandowski has had a decent start to 2024 and will be looking to score more goals as he returns to the lineup after a rest in midweek. Lamine Yamal is likely to have an increased role in the lineup moving forward, starting from the game vs Betis.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup: Pena, Roberto, Araujo, Kounde, Balde, Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan, Yamal, Lewandowski, Ferran.

Substitutes

Joao Felix is certain to come off the bench at some point if he is not starting against Real Betis. There will be minutes for new arrival Vitor Roque as well, with Xavi confirming that the Brazilian teenager is at 100% fitness now.

Fermin Lopez and Marc Guiu could have roles to play as well, depending on the situation of the match, while Oriol Romeu could also come on, especially if Xavi is looking to close out the match.