How Barcelona could line up against Valladolid

9:42am on Monday 21st December 2020
By Nicholas Hughes

For the first time since the opening three rounds of the season, Barcelona enter a La Liga clash having not tasted defeat in their three previous fixtures.

A credible 2-2 draw against Valencia followed wins against Levante and Real Sociedad in the last week leaving them fifth in the table.

Ronald Koeman is likely to reinstall some of his star men when the Blaugrana travel to Valladolid on Tuesday night, including Clement Lenglet.

The Frenchman hasn’t started either of Barca’s last two fixtures, but should return at the heart of the defence to face a side currently in the relegation zone.

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Young defender Ronald Araujo scored his first La Liga goal in the draw with Valencia and should partner Lenglet in defence, with Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba also likely to keep their places in the full-back positions.

With this clash coming as the side’s fourth game in 10 days, rotation is likely through the middle of the pitch.

Frenkie de Jong was spared the first half at the weekend and will return to the side with slightly fresher legs, as will Miralem Pjanic.

The Bosnian has only started once since moving from Juventus in the summer, but after two substitute appearances in the last week he could return to the XI.

Further forward, young-gun Pedri has impressed throughout the season and could continue in a wide area, with Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi alongside.