Ronald Koeman, somewhere between mathematics and rotations
The coach might still believe there is a slim chance of victory in La Liga
Ronald Koeman heads into the penultimate match of La Liga with one question. Should he be guided by mathematics or by common sense? If he goes for the former, the Dutch coach will line up a very strong eleven against Celta. If the latter weighs more in his head, it is likely that one of the less common line ups will be put out. For this challenge, Koeman cannot count on Coutinho, Ansu Fati or Sergi Roberto, injured, nor De Jong, who is suspended. In addition, Mingueza is available but will play with the B team, so he will not enter the squad either.
There is a chance the team could temporarily switch back to 4-3-3, instead of the 3-5-2. We don’t know what formation Koeman will use next season.
If that 4-3-3 is confirmed, Ter Stegen would be accompanied by Sergiño Dest, Gerard Piqué, Lenglet and Jordi Alba in defence. In midfield, Busquets would play alongside Pedri and Ilaix Moriba, while Dembélé, Griezmann and Messi would be the attacking trident. The absence of De Jong and Sergi Roberto denies Koeman the option to play around with his system or line up too much.
If Koeman sticks on the 3-5-2 despite De Jong's absence, then it could be that Dembélé would play on the right wing again as a wing back. Piqué, Araujo and Lenglet would be the central defenders, with Jordi Alba having the left flank. In the team’s core, everything indicates that Ilaix will enter for De Jong and will form a trio with Busquets and Pedri. The Tenerife midfielder has played practically every game but the absence of the former Ajax man makes it unlikely that he will get a break. in attack Griezmann would accompany Leo Messi.
Given there is still a chance for Barca to win the title, albeit slim, the possibility that Riqui Puig, Junior, Braithwaite or Trincao could start is remote.
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