Two key forwards injured, Gavi suspended: How Barcelona will line up against Valencia?

FC Barcelona are set to face Valencia on the 24th matchday in La Liga. The Catalans will have to get into this match without a number of their starters who are currently injured, while Gavi and Xavi himself will also be absent with a suspension.

Gavi took the fifth yellow card in the league game against Almeria. As a result, he will miss this upcoming match, and Xavi will have to work on a different lineup for this game. The main question with the absence of Pedri and Gavi relates to the team formation, whether Xavi will go out with a 4-man midfield or get back to a 4-3-3 formation.

Both these options are available to Xavi. If he goes with a three-man attack, he can play Raphinha on the right wing, Ansu Fati on the left, and Ferran Torres in the false nine role, as Lewandowski is also out with an injury. In such a scheme, Ansu Fati will move inside from the left wing, and his forward slot can be temporarily taken by Alba or Balde, whoever plays on the left-back position.

This formation would be particularly encouraging for Fati, as he needs minutes and support to regain confidence and form. Xavi can also go with this formation as the match is at Camp Nou, and the team is struggling with scoring goals in previous matches.

On the other hand, Xavi can stick to the four-man midfield scheme, which has paid high dividends in the recent stretch of matches. If Xavi adopts such a formation, his personnel would probably be Busquets, De Jong, Kessie, and Sergi Roberto.

Roberto signed his contract extension only yesterday, and this opportunity will further show the club’s confidence in the La Masia graduate. Another less likely option in such a scheme would be Pablo Torre, who had a good outing against Almeria and can make another appearance.

Whichever the personnel or formation Xavi adopts, Barcelona will have to ensure that they take all three points from this match to strengthen further their chances of winning the league and make records while doing this.

The Latest

Mallorca coach reveals game plan to counter Xavi’s Barcelona

FC Barcelona are well prepared for their upcoming clash in La Liga EA Sports against a rigid opposition in RCD Mallorca. While statistically, their...

Xavi still optimistic about Brazilian gem coming to Barcelona in January – report

For top European clubs like FC Barcelona, recruiting the best players is always a great objective no matter the situation. For Barca, certain positions...

26-year-old Brazilian winger set to start for Barcelona against Mallorca – report

FC Barcelona return to league action soon enough in a clash against RCD Mallorca away from home. Entering their seventh game of La Liga...

Xavi talks Frenkie, Pedri, Raphinha, Kounde, Roque ahead of Barcelona vs Mallorca

FC Barcelona are preparing for their seventh match in the 2023-24 La Liga campaign as they face Mallorca on a midweek match tomorrow. Xavi's...

Official: Barcelona announce squad for the game against RCD Mallorca

Following their ‘Remontada’ over Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona already return to action in La Liga EA Sports. Set to face off against Javier Aguirre’s...

Xavi’s impressive record with the club surpassed only by two Barcelona managers

There were high hopes pinned on Xavi Hernandez as he became the head coach for FC Barcelona at the end of 2021. While everything...

Portuguese star repaying Xavi’s faith with his best career start at Barcelona

The latest FC Barcelona right-back, Joao Cancelo, has had a very varied career. He arrived at Barcelona aged 29 years and has already played...

Promising start to ex-defender’s season can benefit Barcelona financially – report

Oscar Mingueza is one of the several players who made the jump from La Masia to the FC Barcelona first team, but were unable...

Barcelona summer arrival dispels concerns about discipline with uplifting attitude

Joao Cancelo joined FC Barcelona on loan from Manchester City this summer transfer window. He was the main candidate identified by Xavi to strengthen...