As first-placed FC Barcelona welcome struggling 16th-placed Andalusian side Cadiz CF to the Spotify Camp Nou, the importance of this match incorporates a massive hurdle. Now fighting to maintain the difference between themselves and 2nd placed Real Madrid, FC Barcelona must do everything in their power to attempt to conquer Cadiz in this La Liga Santander clash.
FC Barcelona vs Cadiz: Potential Lineup
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Still going strong for the Zamora at the end of the La Liga campaign, Ter Stegen will be hoping to maintain another clean sheet once the final whistle blows after this game against Cadiz.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Did not have the best of nights against Manchester United, being involved in an own goal as well, the player will be hoping to put that behind him and regain his complete confidence as he has shown to do so in the past as well.
Centre-back: Eric Garcia
According to both Spanish media and Xavi’s own wordings during the press conference, it feels implied that Eric Garcia will start this game. Despite having fallen way down the pecking order in terms of preferred defenders, Xavi seems to be giving the youngster a chance against Cadiz to find his groove again.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
Rested initially against Manchester United on Thursday, the player’s substitution onto the field clearly ended up showcasing why exactly he is crucial to the side. His composure and quick adaptability are key to unlocking sides with compact structures and formations.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
Similar to Christensen, once brought on against Manchester United, the young Spanish fullback began to demonstrate just how dangerous his explosive acceleration and agility is on that left-hand flank, and how valuable an asset he is for the Catalans.
CDM: Frenkie De Jong
Despite the reports that Sergio Busquets will be given minutes in this game against Cadiz, it is expected to be Frenkie De Jong who starts the game in the pivot role and should prove to be quite the hassle to deal with for Cadiz players.
CM: Franck Kessie
With Pedri now injured for at least a month, Franck Kessie will be expected to play a lot more than he was previously doing. The Ivorian’s mettle will now truly be tested, as the main reason for bringing him in was for exactly this quality of depth that he must now showcase on the field.
CM: Gavi
The tenacious youngster is going to be suspended for the 2nd leg against Manchester United, so seems to be a sure-shot slot in for this game against Cadiz given that he would be resting indefinitely for Barca’s next game in the Europa League.
Right-winger: Ferran Torres
As per the reports from Mundo Deportivo, Ferran Torres is expected to start this clash against Cadiz in what was expected to be a matchup where Xavi Hernandez opts for a rather good amount of rotation.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker may not have been as lethal in front of goal to the extent that he was prior to the World Cup, but he has been instrumental in other ways since, primarily as a creative forward. However, the return of his predatory self in front of the goal would undeniably be a huge asset for Barcelona going forward.
Left-winger: Ansu Fati
Similar to Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati is also expected to start this upcoming matchup against Cadiz and will find it as a chance to continue his possible resurgence to prove his worth to FC Barcelona and retain his place within the club amidst rumors of a possible departure for the youngster.
FC Barcelona vs Cadiz: Expected Line-up
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
Defenders: Balde, Christensen, Garcia, Kounde
Midfielders: Gavi, Kessie, De Jong
Forwards: Fati, Lewandowski, Torres
