Xavi Has Two Lineup Surprises For Should-Win Tie

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez will make a pair of shock name ups to his first XI for Sunday’s must-win conflict in opposition to Cadiz on the Montjuic Stadium.

Two key developments over the previous seven days meant that there have been vacant spots in assault and protection.

Proper winger Raphinha was red-carded and banned for 2 matches for an elbow smash earlier than half time within the 0-0 draw at Getafe, and central defender Ronald Araujo, who has been enjoying at proper again for a lot of the preseason friendlies and the Getafe stalemate, picked up an damage that it’s anticipated to maintain him out for no less than a month.

Xavi will not be allowed to command his workforce from the touchline after additionally choosing up a pink card for vigorously protesting a foul on Ez Abde at Getafe.

Not serving to his case was slamming the officiating as an “embarrassment” post-match, and his brother Oscar will likely be within the dugout for the subsequent couple of matches.

Xavi is in fact nonetheless allowed to pick the workforce, although, and he ought to choose captain Sergi Roberto to face in at proper again whereas Ferran Torres – not Lamine Yamal as touted – occupies the correct wing.

Ranging from the objective, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will look to maintain one other clear sheet with Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Roberto in entrance of him in a again 4.

In a midfield three, pivot Oriol Romeu sits behind Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong whereas Pedri is a false left winger additional ahead.

Up high, it’s Ferran partnering a Robert Lewandowski who’s already three targets behind Actual Madrid’s Jude Bellingham within the race to reclaim the Pichichi for Spain’s high scorer.

Talking of Los Blancos, it’s nonetheless early days but the actual fact they’ve already picked up six factors and Barca simply the one to this point makes the Catalans’ debut at their momentary house the Montjuic Stadium a must-win.

Culers within the floor and worldwide can even look to be entertained, searching for enhancements on final week’s displaying in opposition to Getafe.

FC Barcelona Anticipated First XI vs. Cadiz: Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Roberto; Romeo, Gundogan, De Jong; Pedri, Lewandowski, Ferran