As Barcelona’s superstars return from their international excursions this weekend, they will have little time to rest ahead of the visit of Real Betis on Saturday evening.
There has been plenty to smile about for Barcelona’s internationals. Lamine Yamal became Spain’s youngester goalscorer and debutant, Frenkie de Jong managed back-to-back wins with the Netherlands and the likes of Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were all on the scoresheet for their respective nations.
La Blaugrana’s jet-setters will be keen to keep the good times rolling when Betis visit Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys this weekend, with Barca boss Xavi hopeful of a fourth successive win for his side.
Here is the team the Spanish coach could pick to grab three points against Betis.
GK: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – The goalkeeper will undoubtedly start for Barcelona at the weekend having featured twice for Germany over the international break. Ter Stegen will be hopeful of conceding fewer than the four he shipped against Japan last week.
RB: Joao Cancelo – Only managed 31 minutes from the bench against Osasuna but is in line for his first start for Barcelona ahead of Sergi Roberto. Played 90 minutes for Portugal against Slovakia over the international break.
CB: Jules Kounde – Has started every game for Barcelona this season and that won’t change for the Betis clash, especially given Xavi finds himself short at centre-back. Even managed a goal against Osasuna last time out.
CB: Andreas Christensen – Has deputised for the injured Ronald Araujo at the back and should retain his place ahead of the returning Inigo Martinez.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Astonishing that he is only 19 years old. The La Masia product continues to impress under Xavi’s tutelage and should earn another start against Betis.
CM: Oriol Romeu – Has started every game for Barcelona since his return to the club this summer from Girona. The Spaniard has proved an astute signing so far.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – Scored during Barcelona’s bonkers 4-3 win over Villarreal and has played every minute of La Blaugrana’s four La Liga matches.
RM: Raphinha – Only managed a couple of minutes off the bench after returning from suspension against Osasuna. Possible he is rested in favour of Joao Felix, but will feel confident after his goal and assist for Brazil against Bolivia.
AM: Gavi – Thoroughly impressive every time he steps onto the pitch at just 19 years old and even grabbed his fourth international goal for Spain against Cyprus.
LM: Lamine Yamal – Became Spain’s youngest goalscorer and debutant against Georgia and has been scintillating since bursting on to the scene for Barcelona. The 16-year-old must be pinching himself.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Already has four goals for club and country this season and will be hopeful of adding to that tally against Betis. The Polish forward scored home and away against Saturday’s opponents last campaign.
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