FC Barcelona are taking on Deportivo Alaves in La Liga in their latest outing. The Catalan giants are aware that any more slip-ups could not just be lethal to their title hopes, but potentially also to their Champions League spot. As such, Barcelona are willing to take no risks or chances against any opponents moving forward.
In this clash, as they take on the league’s 11th-placed team, Xavi will already know the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. A win here away from home could also boost the team’s overall morale as well as that of the fans.
For this reason, Xavi has decided to deploy a strong lineup to take on the side led by Luis Garcia. As per the official starting lineup, Barcelona have decided to go with an eleven that is both reliable and experienced enough to take on Alaves.
In goal, Inaki Pena starts as the countdown to Ter Stegen’s return has now commenced. The Spanish goalkeeper will be tasked with keeping the goal secure for Barcelona and ensuring that Alaves do not get a free pathway towards making life difficult for La Blaugrana.
In the defense, Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo start as the two fullbacks. The Portuguese star was crucial in giving Barcelona the three points in the previous game, and Xavi will hope for more magic from the Manchester City loanee.
In between them, Pau Cubarsi returns to the starting eleven alongside Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan remains a pillar of the defensive structure of Barcelona and his presence is crucial for the Catalan giants both in terms of defensive play as well as a mental boost.
In terms of a surprise involvement, Andreas Christensen starts as the pivot. The Dane has been highlighted as a player capable of playing this position, as he has done so before, and it seems that Xavi finally wants to test out this experimental position for him.
As the interiors, Xavi’s trusted duo of Frenkie De Jong and Ilkay Gundogan start. Their blend of creativity, when mixed together in the right amounts, is often lethal for other teams. However, it is also going to be up to the forwards of the team to ensure that the chances they create do not go to waste.
Lastly, the frontline sees Robert Lewandowski once again lead the way for Xavi’s team. His goal-scoring numbers this season have been far from his best, but he also remains one of the few fit forwards right now. He is accompanied by the ever-explosive Lamine Yamal on his right, and Pedri on his left, as the Spaniard starts as a false winger.
