With FC Barcelona set to face 4th place Real Sociedad in their upcoming matchday 35 of La Liga Santander having already become champions, there could be a set of rotations that Xavi Hernandez ends up opting for with the eleven he chooses to deploy in this next fixture at the Spotify Camp.
The likes of Pedri and Araujo will not be available for this game due to injury as confirmed by their exclusions from the official squad list, as well as Gavi, who is out due to suspension.
Here is how the team could potentially line up:
Potential Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
In goal, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is a sure shot. Set to compete for a number of records still yet to be broken, the Zamora hopeful will look to continue with his fine form in the league and end the season on a strong note.
Left-back: Jordi Alba
With Alejandro Balde having played quite a lot of minutes this season and having had his fair share of being the catalyst for goals in many crucial games, a rest for him at the hands of Jordi Alba coming in as a replacement would be justified. The veteran has also attracted the interest of many clubs from across Europe, so this very well may be his last season for La Blaugrana.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
Arguably some of the best business Barcelona have done in recent years, the arrival of Andreas Christensen has truly transformed FC Barcelona into a much more complete side. His involvement in this game should be certain.
Centre-back: Jules Kounde
The Frenchman could finally have an opportunity in the central zones of the defense given the possible introduction of Sergi Roberto to cover the right-back slot and the unavailability of Ronald Araujo for this game due to injury.
Right-back: Sergi Roberto
With the Spaniard back in action, it seems probable that in a game with not many repercussions, Xavi Hernandez chooses to allow Sergi Roberto take over the right-back slot and get some more minutes under his belt this season.
CDM: Sergio Busquets
The Barcelona captain is set to depart the club of his life over the summer, so it seems only befitting that he gets to play out this game where the club lifts the final trophy he is set to have won with the Catalan outfit. His legacy will remain eternal, that’s for sure.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
The Dutchman is an obvious slot in for Xavi’s ideal eleven and will likely be commandeering that midfield from a creative standpoint as well as giving Sergio Busquets extra cover wherever it may be needed.
CM: Franck Kessie
Gavi and Pedri are both currently unavailable for FC Barcelona, and given that this may be his final season at the club, Franck Kessie becomes the obvious replacement for Xavi’s team. The Ivorian’s physical threat and goalscoring ability remain a trump card for the side.
Left-winger: Ansu Fati
The Spaniard will possibly get some minutes to find his groove back again following reports of his departure that are currently flooding the media. To prove his desire to stay, the youngster must truly make the coaching staff and board reconsider thinking of selling him by giving some great performances when the opportunity is presented.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker continues on his hunt for the Pichichi trophy in his very first season in La Liga Santander. With 21 goals to his name already, the 34-year-old is still as hungry as ever when it comes to goalscoring.
Right-winger: Ousmane Dembele
After seemingly quite a while, Frenchman Ousmane Dembele could finally get a start for the first time since his return from injury. Moreover, it seems that the winger also has a knack for scoring special goals against Real Sociedad, here’s to hoping Barca fans can see another this time around.
Expected Line-up:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Defenders: Alba, Christensen, Kounde, Roberto
Midfielders: De Jong, Busquets, Kessie
Forwards: Fati, Lewandowski, Dembele
