LaLiga: Barcelona's probable XI against Sevilla today

With the international break over, LaLiga is set to return. It's been a disappointing run for the big dogs in the league as smaller teams have outperformed them in terms of scoring, efficiency and confidence.

It looks like the season for the underdogs in this year's LaLiga.

Today, Barcelona take on the mighty Sevilla at the Camp Nou. It certainly will be a tough encounter and Sevilla would look to torment Barcelona's injury-hit defence.

So, how would the Barcelona line up look like? With Malcom once again not included in the squad, fans are furious with the coach's decision.

However, the team have quality players and they must at least give Sevilla a tough fight at home, if not register a win.

The Catalans have travelled through an unimpressive run of games in the Spanish league, winning none of their last four games, and bagging just four points.

They might surely want to overcome their woes, but it is Sevilla, ladies and gentleman.

Defence

Tottenham Hotspur v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League

With Umtiti and Vermaelen injured, Barcelona have no backups for the likes of Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet, who are likely to start today.

However, with Sergi Roberto back in the squad, it's not sure if Semedo will start as a right fullback.

Valverde is known for his safe tactics, so he will most probably start Roberto over the Portuguese, with Jordi Alba on the left.

The likes of Ben Yedder and Andre Silva have been running riots ever since they started playing together, with Real Madrid hunted down by the duo as well.

Seems like it Barcelona's turn.

Barcelona has conceded 6 goals in their last four fixtures, to teams like Girona and Leganes; most of them in counter-attacks.

Let's see how Valverde tackles this problem in his upcoming game, as Sevilla are arguably the best team in LaLiga right now when it comes to attacking through counters.

Midfield

Valverde will stick to his 4-3-3 formation for sure. The removal of Dembele from the starting XI has helped Barcelona to play with more freedom, as the Frenchman's inconsistency has costed the team.

The midfield would be occupied by the likes of Arthur, Busquets and Rakitic, as they have been able to impress the manager.

The game against Tottenham is one of the examples where Barca's midfield trio absolutely dominated the game.

Well, Arturo Vidal is desperate to start a game but Valverde refuses to do that. He certainly is a player with great qualities, but Arthur has been more efficient and confident in the middle of the park.

However, Sevilla play a 5-man midfield formation and Ever Banega has been in sublime form this season. He has managed to pocket Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and his confidence is unmatched.

Attack

Coutinho and Leo Messi celebrating a goal

The trio of Coutinho, Suarez and Messi have shown immense confidence, skill and belief. The three South Americans know each other very well on and off the pitch, as Suarez has been a teammate of Coutinho back at Liverpool.

Coutinho alongside Messi has proven to be a world-class winger, as they are often seen creating plays to break up defences and their success rate is pretty high.

Coutinho has unleashed his top form at Barcelona, despite having an underrated first season with the Catalans.

He is an explosive winger filled with talents and has notched some brilliant goals for Barcelona.

Barcelona probable XI: Ter Stegen; Pique, Lenglet, Roberto, Alba; Arthur, Rakitic, Busquets; Coutinho, Messi (C), Suarez

Sevilla have pacy wingers and strikers playing for their side, and they might easily exploit the huge spaces left behind by the Barcelona defenders while playing with a high line of defence.

Jesus Navas has been able to keep Marcelo quiet for a whole of 90 minutes, and therefore, Barcelona should refrain from keeping a high line of defence.

An exciting LaLiga encounter is on its way. Who do you back to take away the three points?