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It would be safe to say that the 2017/18 season was a roller-coaster ride for FC Barcelona. Honestly speaking, very few pundits expected them to achieve the success they managed to pull off last season owing to various reasons.
Neymar's controversial transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, the menacing rise of the club's arch-rivals - Real Madrid, and the arrival of a new manager had created a lot of uncertainty at the commencement of the season. Nevertheless, much to everyone's surprise, La Blaugrana went on to clinch the La Liga and Copa Del Rey title in a glorious fashion.
Since then, Barcelona have undergone a massive turnaround in the ongoing transfer window. Andres Iniesta has bidden adieu to his 18-year stint at Camp Nou, Paulinho has been loaned out to his former club, Guangzhou Evergrande and Gerard Deulofeu has also been jettisoned to Watford.
On the bright side, however, the club has welcomed the likes of Arthur Melo, Clement Lenglet and Malcom.
Consequently, the serious changes made in the club's roster have made the upcoming season all the more intriguing for Barcelona fans.
On that note, let us take a look at the most likely starting XI the Catalan giants will field in the 2018/19 season.
Note: The lineup will feature a 4-2-3-1 formation for the same.
Also Read: Real Madrid's predicted starting XI for the 2018/19 season
Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen
The 2017/18 season was a career-defining one for the German goalkeeper as he merchandised himself as one of the most consistent shot-stoppers in Europe. In the entirety of the season, he kept 24 clean sheets across all competitions.
As a result, he has cemented his place as the first-choice player between the sticks, ahead of the Netherland's Jasper Cillessen, who is reportedly seeking a move away from the club in view of the dearth of game time.
Also Read: 4 players who should leave Barcelona to progress in their careers
Centre-backs
Gerard Piqué
In the early stage of the campaign, Pique showed signs of age catching up with him, heralding an inauspicious season. All the same, the Spaniard did not take long in proving his critics wrong, as he remained instrumental in the club's triumphs.
In La Liga, the 31-year-old won 17 tackles last season with a success rate of 34%. He also made 24 interceptions, 105 clearances and 23 blocks.
Samuel Umtiti
Barcelona's new acquisition, Clement Lenglet, will definitely provide healthy competition for Umtiti in order to stamp his authority as the first choice for the centre-back berth, but he is expected to play as second fiddle to the Frenchman at least when the season starts.
The erstwhile Lyon star will begin the new coming season on the back of his exploits in Russia which helped the French national team romp to the World Cup title. During the competition in Russia, Umtiti played the role of a brick wall in France's backline in tandem with Raphael Varane.
Full-backs
Sergi Roberto
A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Sergi Roberto was previously touted as a long-term replacement for the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta and although his ability to contribute in the midfield cannot be questioned, it's as a right-back that the 26-year-old is prospering.
And under the tutelage of Ernesto Valverde, Roberto has improved in leaps and bounds having received the green light ahead of Nelson Semedo.
Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba has been given a new lease of life under Ernesto Valverde after he was left out of favour with Luis Enrique switching to a 3-man defence.
Not only is the Spaniard a profound presence in the rearguard, but his contributions in Barcelona's attack are also commendable as Alba has a proclivity for making marauding runs which enabled him to notch up 3 goals and 11 assists in the 2017-18 season.
Central Midfielders
Ivan Rakitić
In the recently concluded World Cup, Ivan Rakitic oiled the wheels of Croatia's stellar campaign as the Blazers finished the tournament in the runners-up position.
The 30-year-old is a defensive workhorse and regularly pulls the strings in deep midfield with his purposeful forward passes that set up Barcelona's forays.
Sergio Busquets
Over the course of the past few years, Sergio Busquets has established himself as probably the best defensive midfielder in the world.
In the 2018/19 season, he will be the nucleus of Barcelona's midfield following Iniesta's exit, anchoring the play in the middle. His excellent passing skills, mental composure in possession, and defensive contributions will definitely come in handy for La Blaugrana.
Wingers
Philippe Coutinho
Having completed a high-stakes £142 million move to Barcelona in January 2018, Coutinho has quickly settled his position at the Camp Nou via back-to-back performances for the club.
On top of that, the former Liverpool ace was by far the best performer for Seleção as he racked up 2 goals and as many assists in the 5 appearances he made during the World Cup.
Ousmane Dembélé
Dembele's debut season at Camp Nou was blighted by an unfortunate hamstring injury which ruled him out for the most part of the year. Nevertheless, the talented Frenchman is now all set to show his true mettle in the 2018/19 season.
Having said that, Malcom, Barcelona's recent signing from Bordeaux, will most assuredly give the 21-year-old a good run for his money for a place in the starting XI.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Lionel Messi
With Valverde at the helm, Lionel Messi is expected to fill the playmaker-cum-goalscorer role just like he did last season.
The Argentine will most likely empower Barcelona's attacking play with everything flowing through him. Needless to say, he is an exceptional passer of the ball and can also slalom past defenders with consummate ease.
Centre-forward: Luis Suárez
Luis Suarez will start as the lone striker in his preferred centre-forward position, which he ideally fits by virtue of his archetypal qualities.
A prolific goalscorer, the Uruguayan possesses an eye for goal, physical strength, ability to hold on to the ball and execute a key pass and magnificent finishing skills. As such, he will retain his lead the line for a star-studded squad.
