Barcelona travel away from home to face off against their second official opponents in 2024. After having overcome UD Las Palmas in La Liga, La Blaugrana now turn their heads towards the Copa Del Ray. However, Barcelona faces a rather determined Barbastro side first.
The Round of 32 will be a single knockout tie for every involved team. For this reason, Barcelona and Xavi will want to be extra careful heading into this game. Any poor slip up, something Barça has grown uncomfortably familiar with, could lead to massive repercussions.
However, rotations are also simultaneously quite important. Xavi could opt to make some key changes in this game, as a result.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against Barbastro.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
The Spanish goalkeeper will likely retain his place heading into this game. His previous performance against Las Palmas was solid, but he will be hoping to ensure no goals are let past this time around when facing Barbastro.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
In the event that Alejandro Balde manages to properly recover from his illness, the Spanish fullback should have no issues in starting for Barcelona. However, he must keep in mind that there are no alternatives to him in the same position.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
Having only come on as a substitute against Las Palmas, Christensen could have a more starting role here. The Barcelona defender could use this as an opportunity to catapult his importance on a regular basis too.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
The promising young prodigy could get a massive start for the Barcelona first team here. Realizing that the opponents in front of them have a quality that Cubarsi is more or less accustomed to playing against, Xavi could give him his big opportunity.
Left-back: Hector Fort
The Spaniard previously got his chance with the Barcelona first team in the UEFA Champions League. A rather promising display, Fort will be hoping to add another one of those should he start against Barbastro.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
Oriol Romeu remains a player who seems to have lost the faith of Xavi Hernandez. Acquired from Girona in the summer, the new Barcelona pivot has hardly been convincing. However, a solid performance against Barbastro could possibly shape up his future.
CM: Sergi Roberto
The Barcelona captain continues to provide composure and consistency to the midfield. While he may not be the most dynamic player on the field, Roberto offers other benefits. He will be hoping to put in a shift against Barbastro as well.
CM: Fermin Lopez
On the other hand, Fermin Lopez is about as dynamic as they come. The Spaniard knows no bounds when it comes to showcasing his raw talents on the field. Xavi could give him a chance to prove yet again why La Masia remains as prestigious as it is.
Right-winger: Raphinha
With Lamine Yamal currently suspended from the Copa Del Ray, Raphinha becomes the natural replacement. The Brazilian winger has proven that he has quality, but suffers in the department of consistency. For this reason, a strong display against Barbastro could help him a lot.
Centre-forward: Vitor Roque
Arguably the big news of the game, but many reports suggest Vitor Roque could start this game. The Brazilian showed glimpses of his immense potential against Las Palmas, and he will hoping for more of the same against Barbastro.
Left-winger: Joao Felix
Gradually losing his prominence within the team, Joao Felix will undoubtedly have a point to prove. For this reason, a reinvigorated Felix could be seen against Barbastro. By putting his woes behind him, the Portuguese star can regain his importance within the team.
