Leo Messi back for Koeman against struggling minnows Huesca

Barcelona will welcome in 2021 with a game at Huesca tonight, 9pm CET, at El Alcoraz. They are obliged to win three points after slipping up at Camp Nou in the 1-1 draw with Eibar. The Blaugrana have only win seven of 15 games this season, twice away from home, and no slip ups are acceptable against their bottom of the table opponents.

The best news for Ronald Koeman is that he gets back some important pieces of the squad. Jordi Alba returns from suspension, while captain Leo Messi is over his ankle problem.

It’s a battle which sees neither side in their best form. Michel’s Huesca have just one win this season, 1-0 over Alaves, with 9 draws and six defeats.

Borja Garcia’s absence because of Covid-19 makes it harder still for them.

Barca have a draw and three defeats out of six away games, often down to individual errors.

Ter Stegen will be in goal, with Dest and Alba as the full backs. Araujo-Lenglet are the central defenders with Oscar Mingueza on the bench, if he plays two at the back.

Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will be the midfield three in a 4-3-3 and Messi will operate with Ousmane Dembele and one of Antoine Griezmann or Martin Braithwaite.

Samuel Umtiti has stomach problems so isn’t in the squad, making it more likely Koeman will not use three centre-backs.

Coutinho, Ansu and Pique (knee) and Sergi Roberto (hamstring) are out too.

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