As Barcelona prepare to face 16th place Cadiz at the Camp Nou tonight, serious changes in the starting lineup is inevitable for the Catalans.
With midfield maestro Pedri Gonzalez sidelined for at least about a month and Ronald Araújo ruled out due to suspension, Xavi Hernandez will be forced to make necessary changes to the starting XI.
Sergio Busquets Returns
Given how well the double-pivot system has been working for Barcelona as of late, it seems rather evident that Xavi will be looking to field Busquets and Frenkie in the midfield, with Gavi retaining his spot down the left flank as a pseudo-winger.
Pablo Torre or Franck Kessie?
Now the big question that remains to be seen is if Xavi will count on Franck Kessie to fill in Pedri's place as the creative interior - or - if he will indeed utilize the opportunity to bring in Pablo Torre.
Since his singing from Racing Santander, Pablo Torrre has been granted very little playtime in spite of the fact that the youngster has shown substantial compatibility within the squad. If Xavi truly intends to deploy Pablo Torre as the wild card at Old Trafford, tonight's fixture agianst Cadiz is the most appropriate occasion to put his creative utility to test.
In another possible scenario if Xavi wishes to play two conventional wingers down the flanks, we might see Raphinha and Ferran/Ansu starting alongside Lewandowski at CF. That would mean Gavi will be used as an interior and we could see a more familiar midfield of Gavi-Busquets-Frenkie in the middle of the park.
The Missing Centre Back
Then there is the question of the missing centre back. Ronald Araújo is beyond doubt the best defender in the squad and his absence will demand Andréas Christensen to take charge of the defenseline.
Jules Kounde might either be rested or will be pairing up with Christensen at CB, if Eric Garcia is not called in at the Starting XI that is. Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde are most likely to start at the respective flanks, and needless to say MATS will be starting between the sticks for the Azulgranas.
All in all, a victory tonight is crucial in order to maintain a decent point gap with Real Madrid, who have secured back to back wins to move within 5 points of the Catalans.
Now with one game in hand, Barcelona NEED to extend this lead to 8 points tonight and bury Madrid well below the first place spot.
What are your predictions for tonight's fixture at the Camp Nou? Do let us know in the comments.
Editor's Desk | A.Ash ✎