The victory over Paris Saint-Germain could not have come at a better time for FC Barcelona. La Blaugrana are now fully aware of their strengths, and confidence has started to ooze from the team itself. At this moment in time, Xavi’s Barcelona are at their very best that they have been all season.
Now they face Cadiz away from home at the Nuevo Mirandilla, and it is expected to be a tough encounter. However, many of Xavi’s most reliable stars at Barcelona are either suspended or need some rest from this encounter. Thus, a squad with significant rotation in it could be the answer.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against Cadiz.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper will remain the usual first-choice for Barcelona in goal. His immense displays in recent weeks have been fundamental to helping Barcelona be on the strong streak that they are and Xavi will hope for that to continue.
Right-back: Sergi Roberto
The first-captain for FC Barcelona has been playing more often than not as a midfielder this season. However, his versatility offers some good options in cases of emergency. With Jules Kounde to be potentially rested and Joao Cancelo suspended, this emergency may lead to Roberto needing to play as a right-back.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
Already suspended for the second leg against PSG, Andreas Christensen may be deployed as a central defender against Cadiz to make up for it. However, he will still need to be careful, as a single booking could see him miss the upcoming clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Centre-back: Marcos Alonso
Since both Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde could use some rest here, Marcos Alonso could finally get some minutes. One of the senior-most players in the team, his chances this season have been very minimal at Barcelona and it may as well be his last at the club.
Left-back: Hector Fort
Another versatile player, Hector Fort has shown himself capable of playing on either flank. However, with Alejandro Balde injured and Joao Cancelo suspended, he could just act as the primary left-back for Barcelona once more.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
In case Christensen and Roberto end up occupying roles in the defensive line, Oriol Romeu could return to the starting lineup. The pivot was one of the bets of the summer for Barcelona, but he has not managed to be too convincing across the season thus far. This could be his chance to finally get some much-needed minutes in.
CM: Fermin Lopez
Arguably the most dynamic of midfielders that Barcelona currently has available and healthy, Fermin Lopez adds a strong bite to the Barcelona offense. Moreover, he also has the ability to become a great headache for any opponent he comes up against, as his pressing and relentless pursuits are often quite useful for Barcelona.
RM: Ferran Torres
Not exactly the most orthodox of formations for Xavi, but Ferran Torres can be deployed as a wide midfielder. This would provide the extra width that Barcelona needs while also putting a player on the field who always poses a threat to the opposition goal.
LM: Joao Felix
Similarly, over on the other flank, Joao Felix could be given the liberty to work his magic. His cameo against PSG was promising, but a start against Cadiz could give him a much more open chance to play his brand of football and improve his standing within the Barcelona pecking order.
Striker: Marc Guiu
A talented young striker from La Masia, he has not had the same prominence as some of his peers from the academy this season. However, his attacking instinct is undeniable and his promise is justified, so it will be interesting to see just how much Xavi is willing to gamble in this game.
Striker: Vitor Roque
Xavi has already guaranteed that Vitor Roque will have minutes against Cadiz, and they could come as a striker. The Brazilian forward has been waiting for his chance to show his worth to Barcelona, and this may be a golden opportunity for him.