Barcelona are set to host a struggling Levante outfit at Camp Nou on matchday 25 of La Liga. Having lost their last two outings, the reigning La Liga champions have lost momentum and will be eyeing a statement win to get their campaign back on track.
The home side sit second in the table with 58 points from 24 matches, having registered 19 wins, one draw, and four defeats. While they were firmly in the driving seat just a few weeks ago, recent results have dented their title charge.
Barcelona suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, before going down 2-1 to Girona in La Liga. That latest setback has left the Blaugrana two points adrift of Real Madrid in the title race.
Hansi Flick’s men will be desperate to arrest the slide after back-to-back defeats. Meanwhile, the visitors are 19th in the standings with just 18 points from 24 outings, managing four wins, six draws, and 14 defeats, leaving them seven points adrift of safety.
Levante have lost each of their last three league matches and come into this clash on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Villarreal. Given their struggles for much of the season, they could find it difficult to cope with the Catalan giants. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both sides and attempts to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Barcelona have received a massive boost ahead of this fixture as Pedri and Marcus Rashford are back training and should be a part of the squad. However, they are unlikely to start in this fixture. Gavi is also closing in on a return after his knee injury.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen (ACL) remains on the sidelines. The Catalan giants will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Joan Garcia will take charge in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will be the full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi will pair up with Eric Garcia at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Fermin Lopez will form the double pivot with Frenkie de Jong in the centre of the park. They will not only shield the backline, but also look to control the tempo of the game.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will feature on the flanks, while Dani Olmo will continue in the number ten role. Finally, star striker Robert Lewandowski should lead the line for Barcelona against Levante on Sunday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Fermin, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
The visitors will be without the services of Roger Brugue (knee), Pablo Martinez (knee) and Kervin Arriaga (suspension). Meanwhile, Unai Elgezabal (knee) is a major doubt is a major doubt for this fixture.
Levante will also line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Mathew Ryan will be in goal. Jeremy Toljan and Manu Sanchez will feature as the full-backs, while Adrian de la Fuente will pair up with Matias Moreno in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Ugo Raghouber and Jon Ander Olasagasti will form the double pivot in the middle of the pitch for the away team. The duo will certainly have a lot of defending to do.
Kareem Tunde and Ivan Romero will feature on the flanks, while Carlos Alvarez will take up the number ten role. Meanwhile, Etta Eyong, who has found himself on the bench in their last two outings, should return to the starting XI for this one.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sanchez; Olasagasti, Raghouber; Tunde, Alvarez, Romero; Etta Eyong
Despite a slight dip in form of late, Raphinha remains one of Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking outlets and will be the one to watch against Levante. The 29-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign overall, registering 13 goals and five assists in 23 appearances across competitions.
Having missed the defeat to Atletico Madrid, and with just one goal in his last four league outings, the Brazilian winger will have a clear point to prove. Direct, relentless, and capable of deciding games on his own, Raphinha’s hunger to make an impact could prove decisive as Barcelona look to get back on track.
After consecutive defeats, Barcelona should relish the chance to respond in front of their home crowd. Hansi Flick’s men are likely to dominate possession, play with greater urgency, and look to make an early statement against a Levante side that has struggled defensively throughout the campaign.
That said, the visitors could still have moments, particularly on the counter, and may test Barcelona’s concentration if given space. However, over 90 minutes, the gulf in quality should tell, with the hosts expected to regain control of their season with a convincing win and keep the title race firmly alive. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for the home team.
