Barça could repeat the same attacking trident against Leganes

Barça could repeat the same attacking trident against Leganes

Último entrenamiento del Barça antes de recibir al Leganés / | FCB

Setien might opt to use Suarez off the bench but will rotate in other areas of the team

FC Barcelona are ready to face their second test since LaLiga restarted but there could be several changes from the XI which faced Real Mallorca. Quique Setien will make changes in defence and midfield but could keep the same attacking trio.

Luis Suarez looked lively off the bench against Mallorca but after nearly five months out, it would be wise to protect him with so many matches coming up. The Uruguayan is expected to play a bit-part role against Leganes with one eye firmly on the clash with Sevilla this Friday. He replaced Griezmann in the opening match but there's a strong chance Messi won't play the full 90 tonight either.

Suárez a risk

Another reason not to push Suarez too hard is the fact he's a booking away from a suspension. It would be much better to introduce the striker with the game already wrapped up, rather than asking him to maintain that intense level of pressure he's known for.

This would mean Martin Braithwaite keeps his place in the team. Coming up against his former side might add a bit of extra spice for the Danish striker. Braithwaite's defensive awareness would also help out Junior Firpo, who replaces the suspended Jordi Alba in defence.

Pie de foto | AUTOR FOTO

The biggest changes are likely to come in that backline. Semedo is likely to replace Sergi Roberto and Lenglet, who missed out against Mallorca due to suspension himself, could get his first minutes of the 'new' season. Pique is expected to retain his place in the XI but Samuel Umtiti will need playing time if he's to get back up to speed. Although the World Cup winner is another player who is sitting on four bookings.

Vidal needs protecting 

And the last of the three Barça players walking the suspension tightrope, Arturo Vidal, could also be forced to sit out tonight's match. His drive, aggression and work rate will be needed against Sevilla and less so against a struggling Leganes. Arthur's ready to replace him but with his future in the air, Setien might feel Rakitic is a more reliable option at the moment. Busquets and De Jong will occupy the other two midfielder slots.

Pie de foto | AUTOR FOTO

Leganés are without key man Óscar

If facing the reigning champions wasn't enough, Leganes must do it without out of their best players in Oscar Rodriguez. The player, on loan from Real Madrid, is the top scorer at Leganes but misses out due to suspension. Centre back Siovas will also sit out the match at the Camp Nou.

This means Guido Carrillo, who only has one goal in LaLiga, will be tasked with breaking down Barça's rotated defence.

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