How Barcelona could line up against Villarreal

Barcelona will be looking to keep themselves in the La Liga title race when they continue their 2020-21 campaign away to top-five chasing Villarreal on Sunday.

Ronald Koeman's side, who are currently third in the table, five points off leaders Atletico Madrid, will again be without the services of long-term absentees Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho through injury.

Martin Braithwaite missed out against Getafe on Thursday due to an ankle problem, but the experienced forward could potentially be back in the squad for this match.

Ousmane Dembele was also absent from the squad against Getafe due to a slight muscular issue, but the France international trained on Friday and should therefore be in contention for this match, while the same can also be said for number two goalkeeper Neto.

Koeman is expected to resist the temptation to shuffle his pack due to the importance of the contest, with Atletico, Real Madrid and Sevilla all in the title picture.

Lionel Messi should therefore continue alongside Antoine Griezmann as part of a front two, with Dembele potentially being an option off the bench.

There might be a change on the right, though, with Sergino Dest potentially coming in for Sergi Roberto, who has only just returned from injury.

Ronald Araujo replaced Gerard Pique at the interval of the 5-2 win over Getafe, but the latter is not injured and should again be in the starting XI against the Yellow Submarine.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Lenglet; Dest, De Jong, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Messi, Griezmann

> Click here to see how Villarreal could line up for this contest