Saudi Arabia provides FC Barcelona the venue to potentially win their first official title of the 2023/24 season. The Blaugranes have traveled from Spain over to the Middle East in hopes of helping the club achieve a major title before returning to normality. However, Barcelona first have to get through the hurdle of CA Osasuna.
While there are also financial benefits to be exploited, the primary goal for Barcelona is to showcase their footballing ability and ideology. With arch-rivals Real Madrid already having qualified for the final of the competition, it is now Barça’s turn to step up.
Here is how Xavi could potentially line up his Barcelona team against Osasuna.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
There is no doubt that it will be Inaki Pena in goal for Barcelona. While Ter Stegen continues to recover well, his return is still some distance away. However, Pena is more than capable enough of holding his own.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
With Joao Cancelo still not fit enough to return for Barcelona, Jules Kounde may once again be deployed as a right-back. Even though it may not be his favorite role to play, the Frenchman is versatile enough to be good there. His adaptiveness could prove to be a key component for Barcelona.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
Despite being linked to a move away from Barcelona, Ronald Araujo did what he could to dispel those rumors. However, it is now time to move past transfer speculation and focus on the game at hand, and the Uruguayan defender at his best can give Barça a level of defensive cover that is unmatched.
Centre-back: Andreas Christensen
Araujo’s most likely partner as the other central defender could be Andreas Christensen. The Danish defender has a lot to prove to both Barcelona and Xavi as he hopes to retain his place as a regular even once Inigo Martinez returns from injury.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
The Spaniard remains Xavi’s most lethal option at left-back if he can manage to play his best football. However, inconsistency and a lack of competition have perhaps stalled his progression. For this reason, and in order to ensure that Xavi does not lose faith in him, Balde will need to step up.
CDM: Frenkie De Jong
In terms of offering control and composure in the midfield, few players compare to Frenkie De Jong. An absolute midfield maestro for FC Barcelona, the Dutchman remains one of Xavi’s most trusted soldiers on the field.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Alongside Frenkie De Jong, and in the absence of Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan remains another untouchable within the midfield. The former Manchester City midfielder has both a winning mentality and the needed experience to back up his quality beyond just his merits.
CM: Fermin Lopez
Arguably the driving force within the midfield last time out against Barbastro, Fermin Lopez continues to offer Barcelona his unique blend of dynamism. His chances of starting against Osasuna, although not guaranteed, seem to be greater than those of some others.
Right-winger: Raphinha
With both a goal and an assist to his name in the last game, Raphinha comes into this match with great confidence. However, if the Brazilian forward can just improve his efficiency and be more careful with his decision-making, he could be a much bigger asset for Barcelona.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
Without a doubt, Robert Lewandowski seems to be the most likely candidate to start as the team’s striker. The Polish international, irrespective of his poor goal-scoring form, retains the complete faith of Xavi.
Left-winger: Ferran Torres
The talents of Joao Felix remain an inconsistent luxury for Barcelona. However, at the highest level of the sport, inconsistencies can only be endured for so long. Instead, Ferran Torres offers a much more reliable attacking option. As such, Xavi could opt to trust the Spaniard as his starter.
