How will Barcelona line up against Eibar?

Barcelona signs 2020 at home to Eibar on Tuesday and will not be able to count on captain Lionel Messi for the clash.

The captain scored a club-record 644 goal last time against Real Valladolid, but will miss out with an ankle problem.

Ronald Koeman’s men will continue to be the overwhelming favorites to win the game, so let’s see how they might line up.

Photo by Pedro Salado / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images

The big question behind is whether Koeman will go back to aligning with three centrals as he did last time at Real Valladolid.

The experiment saw Barca run out of winners 3-0, but it remains to be seen whether Koeman will stay in the formation or reverse his usual four-man defense.

One player who will definitely be left out of this game is left-back Jordi Alba. The defender is suspended after a fifth caution of the season last time, meaning Junior Firpo could enter the team.

Photo by Pedro Salado / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images

Miralem Pjanic got off to a rare start to La Liga in midfield last time around and had the kind of performance that may be enough to convince Koeman to keep him in the starting lineup alongside Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman has also impressed in recent weeks after seeing his position tweaked a bit, with better results, and it would be a surprise if De Jong did not continue against Eibar.

Sergio Busquets had to settle for a bench spot last time out and it could be more of the same for the 32-year-old on Tuesday night.

Photo by David S. Bustamante / Soccrates / Getty Images

There is no Messi against Eibar but Koeman has no shortage of options when attacking. Ousman Dembélé should pass in form and could make his return, while Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho await a recall.

Martin Braithwaite was back in goal against Real Valladolid and was able to keep his place, while Pedri seems to be off to a guaranteed start after another impressive display in the Barcelona jersey last time out.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Junior; De Jong, Pjanic; Dembele, Griezman, Pedri; Braithwaite.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Eibar? Let us know your thoughts, predictions, and teams in the comments below!