Barcelona Blog
In recent weeks, injuries have shaken Barcelona’s established formation as Xavi Hernandez lost three key pieces in his athletic project, Sergio Busquets, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri, and needed several players from the second line to maintain the unbeaten streak.
Against Cadiz, the Catalan coach rotated and brought in players such as Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia and Sergi Roberto, who have been underrated since the start of 2023, and all of them lived up to expectations.
Both in the initial line-up and in the changes and in the press conference after the match, the Barcelona coach provided several clues about the formation he could start with in the match next Thursday at Old Trafford, in the decisive round of the European League against Manchester United.
First of all, Ronald Araujo, Frank Kesseh and Rafinha didn’t start yesterday. The first, due to suspension, watched the match from the stands; The Ivorian and Brazilian entered the second half to rest Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski. Obviously, the five players will be key against United.
Although Sergio Busquets did not have any minutes, Xavi Hernandez could not clarify whether his captain would be available or not before the confrontation against the “Red Devils”.
“It will be fine,” replied Xavi when asked about the possibility of Busquets being in a position to start at Old Trafford.
Jules Conde, for his part, played 90 minutes against Cadiz, but the absence of a natural right-back in the team also put him in the starting line-up for the final at the Theater of Dreams. Andreas Christensen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen also secure their spot.
Given that Jaffe will miss the match due to the accumulation of yellow cards, there is already more certainty than skepticism in the plan to face Manchester which is practically decided internally.
The only unknown is on the left-back – we’ll see if Xavi bets on Alejandro Balde, Jordi Alba or even Marcos Alonso – in the formation.
If Barcelona wanted to come up with four midfielders, Sergi Roberto would be the one chosen along with Busquets, De Jong and Kessie; Ferran Torres will accompany Lewandowski and Rafinha if the team jumps onto the pitch with two wingers.
Barcelona formation if playing the 4-3-3 plan:
Ter Stegen
Jules Conde – Araujo – Christensen – Balde (or Jordi Alba)
Busquets – Casey – De Jong
Ravenha – Lewandowski – Ferran Torres
Barcelona formation in the event of a 4-4-2 plan
Ter Stegen
Jules Conde – Araujo – Christensen – Balde (or Jordi Alba)
Busquets – Casey – De Jong – Sergi Roberto
Ravenha – Lewandowski
Source: Sport
