Barcelona vs Sevilla predicted lineups: Will Lamine Yamal be in the starting XI?

Xavi Hernández is expected to have nearly a full squad at his disposal for the visit of Sevilla on Friday, forcing him to choose between a wealth of attacking options.

Last time out Barcelona could only manage a 2-2 draw against Mallorca, who are just one point outside of the relegation places. Xavi is expected to make changes to the forward line on Friday, but who will keep their place?

João Félix joined on loan from Atletico Madrid towards the end of the summer transfer window and has impressed in his early showings in a Barcelona shirt. However he was substituted on the hour-mark against Mallorca and was replaced by Lamine Yamal.

Also in the forward line, Robert Lewandowski is expected to return to the starting XI after dropping to the bench against Mallorca. Barça can also call upon Raphinha and Ferran Torres for Friday’s game.

Will Sergio Ramos play against Barcelona?

Veteran defender Sergio Ramos is expected to make his first appearance in Barcelona since ending his 16-year stint with Real Madrid in 2021. The 37-year-old came through the academy at Sevilla and starred for his hometown team before making the move to the capital.

After returning to Sevilla over the summer he has a chance to renew hostilities in Barcelona. He and Barca head coach Xavi were on opposing sides of one of the most heated rivalries in the history of Spanish football, but enjoyed almost unparalleled success playing alongside each other for the Spanish national team.

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Barcelona vs Sevilla: Predicted starting XI

Barcelona have fielded a relatively settled defence and midfield in recent weeks and we expect more of the same from Xavi on Friday. Andres Christensen and Joules Koundé will almost certainly start as the central defensive partnership, with João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde retaining their full back spots.

In midfield the trio of Oriol Romeo, Ilkay Gundogan and Gavi has a nice balance of on-field attributes. In the attacking third, Lewandowski should return to the team, but his companions on either wing are less clear. Xavi has been reluctant to overwork Yamal so the youngster will likely remain on the bench. In his place, Félix and Raphinha could start.

Sevilla enjoyed a 5-1 victory in their last outing so are unlikely to make too many changes on Friday. Ivan Rakitic will hope to return to the starting XI against his former club, while Ramos’ experience could see him given the nod over Nemanja Gudelj.

Barcelona predicted lineup: Ter Stegen - Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Cancelo - Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan - Joao Felix, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Sevilla predicted lineup: Nyland - Pedrosa, Ramos, Bade, Navas - Sow, Fernando, Rakitic - Lukebaldo, Rafa Mir, Ocampos