In the past week, Barcelona have not been exceeding the expectations placed on them, and their recent sluggish performance and loss against Leganes has Ernesto Valverde considering whether to revert back to a 4-4-2 formation.
Despite losing five of the last six available points in the domestic championship, the Catalan club remain as leaders in Spain thanks to Real Madrid's surprising 3-0 loss at Sevilla.
The urgency to get back on track is at an all-time high, taking into account the Madrid derby that will take place on Saturday between Los Blancos and Atletico Madrid, another candidate for the title.
However, as far as the game is concerned, the signs for the Blaugrana look to be worrisome exactly at the moment their calendar gets more complicated.
Although the coach believes the defeat against the Pepineros was due in large part to the accidental factor of conceding two goals in a matter of one minute, he privately is considering changing the plan he implemented since the beginning of the year, where Dembele and Philippe Coutinho coexist on the left side of a 4-3-3.
This system will give more space on the wings to the Frenchman, who has already netted five goals thus far.
However, with the 4-4-2, the distance between the lines and the offensive players will increase, leaving open spaces for opponents to take advantage of.
It's no surprise that Barcelona have already conceded seven goals in LaLiga, the same as in the first half of last year.
Despite the high number of goals in favour (17), the team seem to suffer when they are away from home.
Style vs strength
Listening to Sergio Busquets, the most self-critical spokesman in the dressing room, it can even be interpreted that the change would be well received by the players.
"To win the league we have to be a more solid team, more consistent," the Spaniard said in a recent interview.
The next three matches for the Blaugrana (Athletic Club, Tottenham Hotspur and Valencia) will really tell if Leganes marked a turning point for Lionel Messi and Co.
Uddy_Hunt
69
Right now Barça playing as 4-2-4. Coutinho also playing as a striker. When Barça loss the ball, opposition get a lot of free space in the midfield and Pique is slow as turtle, he can't defend fast attackers. That's Barça problem. Suarez and Dembele lose the ball everytime. Messi isn't going deeper into the midfield to collect the ball. Messi always can't do that because he is a human, he got tired.
BIGS0L0
68
this could be Barcas best formation
Dhairya_Rawal
51
No no!!! For God's sake no!!! Barca must rather learn to use Coutinho in the midfield better.... Or maybe a 4-2-3-1 where Messi is playing as CAM, Coutinho as LW and Dembele as RW.... But please not 4-4-2.... I want Barca to be exciting and attacking not that depressing defensive style.... Last season, it was a necessity while this season it is not so please no
Elsa98
25
The 4-4-2 is the perfect counter attacking formation, as it has the potential for an intensive press and easy transition after the ball is won.