Levante UD vs FC Barcelona Lineups – Predicted XIs, Injuries, Team News

Predicted Lineups for Levante UD vs FC Barcelona

As Barcelona prepares for its upcoming fixture against Levante UD, supporters and analysts are closely examining the potential starting elevens for both sides. Multiple sources have published predicted lineups ahead of the match, though official team sheets will not be confirmed until closer to kickoff. The Catalan club enters the encounter as the clear favorite against a Levante side struggling near the bottom of the La Liga table, with their recent cup exit adding urgency to their domestic league campaign.

Pre-match coverage from Sky Sports and Sports Mole indicates that Barcelona is expected to field a strong attacking lineup despite recent setbacks.

• Barcelona predicted in 4-3-3 formation with García in goal behind defensive line of Koundé, Cubarsí, García, and Balde
• Midfield trio expected to feature De Jong anchoring alongside either López, Fermín, or another option in the advanced role
• Attack likely led by Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha, exploiting Levante’s defensive vulnerabilities
• Levante predicted in 4-2-3-1 setup with Ryan as goalkeeper and multiple players competing for wide positions
• Key Levante absences include Brugué and Martínez through injury, plus Elgezabal as a major doubt
• Suspension of Kervin Arriaga (3-game ban) further weakens Levante’s midfield options

Team News and Injuries: Barcelona and Levante UD

The fitness situations for both clubs present a mixed picture heading into this fixture. Barcelona receives encouraging news regarding several key players, while Levante faces significant absentees that could impact their competitive chances significantly.

Barcelona Player Returns and Absences

According to Sports Illustrated, Barcelona midfielders Pedri and Marcus Rashford have returned to full training and are likely to be included in the matchday squad, though neither is expected to start. The more significant development involves Gavi, who is resuming group training sessions with a possible return to competitive action slated for March.

The defensive situation remains concerning for the Catalan club. Andreas Christensen continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained earlier this season, with reports indicating a partial ACL tear that keeps him sidelined for the foreseeable future. This long-term absence places additional pressure on Hansi Flick to manage his defensive resources carefully.

Levante UD Fitness Concerns

Levante’s injury list has grown considerably as they battle against relegation. Roger Brugué and Pablo Martínez both remain unavailable due to knee injuries, reducing coach Felipe Sánchez’s options in midfield and attack. Perhaps most critically, defender Unai Elgezabal is listed as a major doubt after failing to fully recover from his own knee problem.

The situation has been compounded by Kervin Arriaga’s suspension. Following a red card in recent league action, Arriaga received a three-game ban that will keep him out of first-team contention until March, as reported by Sports Illustrated. This leaves Levante short-staffed in the defensive midfield area as they prepare to face Barcelona’s attacking threats.

• Roger Brugué: Knee injury, unavailable
• Pablo Martínez: Knee injury, unavailable
• Unai Elgezabal: Knee injury, major doubt
• Kervin Arriaga: Red card suspension, 3 games (out until March)

Expected Formations and Tactical Approaches

The tactical landscape of this encounter favors Barcelona significantly based on current form and available personnel. Analysis from multiple previews indicates Hansi Flick is likely to persist with the 4-3-3 system that has delivered positive results this season, though rotation decisions may be influenced by Barcelona’s demanding schedule across multiple competitions.

Barcelona’s Attacking Shape

The expected Barcelona lineup features goalkeeper Iñaki Peña (often referred to as García in previews) behind a defensive four of Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, and Alejandro Balde. The midfield composition presents the primary tactical question, with Frenkie de Jong expected to anchor the midfield while Dani Olmo provides creativity from an advanced position.

The attacking trident of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha represents Barcelona’s most potent combination. FotMob analysis highlights how these three players complement each other’s movement, with Yamal’s width, Lewandowski’s clinical finishing, and Raphinha’s industry creating problems for opposition defenses.

Levante’s Defensive Setup

Levante UD is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation designed to provide defensive solidity while looking to hit Barcelona on the counter-attack. With regular goalkeeper Andoni Falcón injured, former Leeds United loanee Sonny Ryan is anticipated to start between the posts. The defensive line features Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, and left-back Cabello, though the injury uncertainty around Elgezabal could force changes.

The midfield double pivot of Olasagasti and Raghouber faces an enormous task containing Barcelona’s creative players. In attack, the versatile options of Tunde, Álvarez, Losada, and Romero will compete for starting positions, with Etta Eyong potentially earning a first start after recent bench appearances as noted by Sports Mole.

Timeline: Matchday Build-Up and Lineup Release

Understanding the sequence of events leading to confirmed team sheets helps supporters and fantasy managers plan accordingly. The timeline below outlines key moments in the lead-up to matchday.

1. 24-48 hours before kickoff: Final injury assessments conducted, with club medical staff submitting fitness reports to coaching staff
2. Morning of matchday: Team training session typically reveals last-minute fitness decisions through player participation
3. Approximately 2 hours before kickoff: Official club communication channels begin releasing preliminary squad news
4. One hour before kickoff: Official confirmed starting XI and substitutes list released by match officials and clubs
5. Kickoff: Match begins with confirmed lineup on the field; any pre-match warm-up injuries result in late changes
6. Half-time and full-time: Substitution details and tactical adjustments documented for post-match analysis

Fans seeking confirmed lineups should monitor FC Barcelona’s official website and Levante UD’s official platform for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Confirmed Facts and Uncertainties

Given the nature of pre-match coverage, some information remains established while other details are subject to change based on training ground developments and late fitness tests.

Match Context and Season Background

Barcelona enters this fixture in second place in La Liga, locked in a title race with Real Madrid that demands maximum points in every match. The recent 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final defeat to Atlético Madrid represents a significant setback for the club’s trophy ambitions this season, making domestic league success increasingly important.

The 2-1 La Liga loss to Girona added further frustration to Barcelona’s recent form, creating additional pressure on Hansi Flick’s side to deliver positive results. The upcoming fixture against bottom-placed Levante represents an opportunity to return to winning ways, though the surprise 2-3 home defeat to Barcelona earlier in the 2025/26 season demonstrates that Levante cannot be entirely dismissed despite their league position.

For Levante, survival in La Liga remains the primary objective. Sitting in 19th place with 41 goals conceded, the club faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Every point earned against top-tier opposition becomes crucial in their fight for survival, making the home encounter against Barcelona potentially significant in the context of their season objectives.

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Sources and Expert Coverage

Pre-match coverage draws from several established sports journalism outlets, each providing varying levels of detail and analysis regarding the upcoming fixture.

Multiple sources predict Barcelona in a 4-3-3 formation featuring García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; López/De Jong/Fermín, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha for their La Liga home match against Levante.

— Sports Mole, SI.com

Levante predictions typically feature a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sánchez; Olasagasti, Raghouber; Tunde/Álvarez/Losada/Romero, Álvarez/Losada, Romero; Eyong.

— Sports Mole, SI.com

For comprehensive statistical analysis, Transfermarkt provides detailed player statistics and market values, while ESPN offers additional match coverage and expert opinions.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Barcelona approaches the Levante fixture as favorites, with their attacking quality significantly outweighing Levante’s defensive capabilities. The predicted lineup features a strong forward combination of Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha, supported by a midfield that will likely include Frenkie de Jong in a controlling role. Returns from injury for Pedri and Marcus Rashford provide squad depth, though Christensen’s continued absence maintains defensive concerns.

Levante faces substantial challenges with multiple injuries and a suspension affecting their preparation. The absence of key players including Brugué, Martínez, and Elgezabal, combined with Arriaga’s ban, leaves coach Felipe Sánchez with limited options. Their survival battle depends on earning points against top opposition, making this home fixture critically important despite the challenging circumstances.