La Liga is back!
And the champions kick off at home to Alaves looking for three points to start their defence of the title in the best possible way.
Eight years ago, Barcelona scored their 5,000th La Liga goal through Lionel Messi and they go into this match needing one more to make it 6,000. Given the way he’s played so far in pre-season, no one would bet against the newly-installed first captain doing the honours again.
Fellow striker, Luis Suarez, will make his 200th appearance for the Catalans, and coincidentally, his 100th also came against Saturday’s opponents.
Back to 4-3-3
Ernesto Valverde generally settled on a 4-4-2 formation in his opening campaign, only occasionally reverting to line up more synonymous with the club.
However, with Ousmane Dembele fit again, he’ll start the season with a trio up front, and see what success they bring.
Where Barca are strong in that department is that they now have Malcom to put genuine pressure on the youngster, offering the club a viable alternative in attack should they need it.
Suarez needs to find his touch, missing again in pre-season, whilst Messi will again be given licence to roam and open up what’s sure to be a tight back four.
Guidetti’s aerial threat
Though the Catalans have genuine physical presence in the centre of defence in Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, it’s noticeable how often the pair are beaten in the air if they happen to be up against a striker that will put themselves about.
John Guidetti has profited in the past against Barcelona and he’ll be sure to give himself the best chance again.
Often ploughing a loan furrow up front, he’ll rely on the support from midfield in the form of Wakaso and Manu Garcia.
If Sobrino and Burgui can get in behind Barca’s full-backs and throw in a cross or two, back Guidetti to at least get a half chance.
Depth on the Barca bench
Though having a strong bench was rarely needed last season, Valverde will be delighted with the quality he has at his disposal and ready to utilise at some point.
When the likes of Sergi Roberto, Arthur, Malcom and Clement Lenglet can’t get a starting spot, then you know you’re on to a winner.
Having such strength in reserve can only be of benefit to the team as a whole.
At this early stage and if the result and performance are what Barca expect, Valverde will take the chance to rest key players.
