LALIGA
Possible Barcelona starting XI against Atlético Madrid in LaLiga
Xavi’s side are still struggling with various injuries that are hampering the squad.
Xavi is expected to start with the same team for two games in a row when Barcelona take on Atlético Madrid in LaLiga on Sunday. The main doubt remains over who will start at right-back with Ronald Araújo possibly getting the nod.
It remains to be seen whether Xavi will move the Uruguayan back to that position or whether Jules Koundé will play there after some recent difficulty at centre-back.
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Lewandowski leads the line
Ilkay Gündogan and Frenkie de Jong will lead the way in midfield with Pedri further forward. In attack, Raphinha and João Félix are set to play alongside Robert Lewandowski.
It is an eleven that has seen the average age rise compared to previous games. Players like Alejandro Balde, Fermín López and Lamine Yamal are playing less, with Xavi now opting more for experience.
Balde is the main surprise after a strong 2022-23 campaign and the Spain international has been pushed aside due to the performances of João Cancelo on the left.
Lewandowski suffered from a lack of supply in the Champions League game against Porto and will be hoping for more from the creative players in the side against Diego Simeone’s Atlético in the fixture of the weekend in LaLiga.
Barcelona’s likely XI
Peña; Araújo, Christensen, Martínez, Cancelo; Gündogan, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Félix.