Barcelona’s turbulence has continued at the start of 2024, and their inability to mount a sustained run has heaped the pressure on Xavi.
The former midfielder seemed destined to lead a long and successful mission in Catalonia despite the club’s monetary difficulties, but Barça’s recent elimination in the Copa del Rey has left the coach on the brink.
Wednesday night’s loss to Athletic Club is a blow when considering what the Copa del Rey has meant this season. After their humiliation in the Super Cup, Spain’s first domestic cup, Barça’s best chance of getting the silver medal.
However, the Blaugrana have little time to feel sorry for themselves when they return to La Liga action against Villarreal on Saturday. It’s a must-win for the hosts, and that’s how they can line up.
Lamine Yamal announced himself to the rest of La Liga in the reverse fixture / SOPA Images/GettyImages
GK: Inaki Pena – Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undoubtedly been missed between the sticks, but the German isn’t expected to return until March after undergoing back surgery.
RB: Jules Kounde – Joao Cancelo’s a doubt with a knee issue, so Kounde is currently the favourite to continue at right-back.
CB: Ronald Araujo – The 24-year-old is expected to assemble an incredible Barcelona defensive line on Saturday.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Cubarsi has recently made a good impression in Xavi’s first team, but has thrown himself into senior football like a fish in water.
LB: Hector Fort – With Alejandro Balde out, 17-year-old Fort is the most likely candidate to upgrade the Spaniard after impressing off the bench at San Mamés. Cancelo is an option if you are eligible.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – The Dutchman had some problems on Wednesday night, but he is still important for Barca’s good luck in the middle of the park.
CM: Pedri – Barça’s advantage is that Pedri has enjoyed an adventure in the team. That the injuries remain away for a long time.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Xavi can also simply reshuffle his midfield, but given the inexperience of his defensive line, a character like Gundogan would possibly be needed on Saturday.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The teenager dazzled in the reverse fixture and was incredibly busy on Wednesday night. Yamal missed a couple of excellent chances after scoring a wonderful goal. Xavi has carefully managed his minutes, but he’ll start again this weekend.
ST: Ferran Torres – Robert Lewandowski doesn’t offer much to Barca at the moment and Vitor Roque is not fit to make his La Liga debut. Ferran, who scored a hat-trick against Betis last week, deserved to start on top.
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