Xavi-ball returns to action in style as Barcelona take on Sevilla in La Liga for gameweek 30. Sitting just three points shy of second place, the Catalans have the chance to leapfrog Julien Lopetegui’s men and enter a bid for the – admittedly farfetched – title race.
12 Barça players were in action during the international break, and as such, rotations are of utmost importance. Further, Xavi also has to keep one eye ahead on the Europa League clash vs Eintrach Frankfurt.
However, any complacency here could cost Barcelona their season. They are well-positioned in the Europa and could finish on the podium after a horrific start to the season.
This month could end up defining their summer transfer window as well, for Xavi has spoken in length about the importance to get to the Champions League next season.
If Barcelona can grab the game by its throat early on vs Sevilla, second half substitutions could prove to be extremely valuable. We at Barça Universal predict Xavi’s starting lineup for the mouth-watering clash tomorrow night.
No doubts over who starts in goal with Marc-Andre ter Stegen available. The German shot-stopper has been under heavy scrutiny this season, but remains as the first-choice with no able deputy in the squad.
Gerard Pique got the rest he needed during the international break and should make the return to the starting XI. He is expected to be partnered with Ronald Araujo, who was in action for Uruguay for the last two weeks.
Xavi has just two natural fits for the fullback positions in Dani Alves and Jordi Alba. With the former unavailable for selection in the Europa League, there is little to no question over their starting spots.
In midfield, the competition is tough, and Xavi has already confirmed that there will be rotations. We expect Nico Gonzalez to get the nod ahead of Frenkie de Jong, who played 180 minutes for the Netherlands during the international break.
Sergio Busquets was not called up and should take his place at Barcelona’s base as the defensive midfielder. Pedri is expected to round off the midfield for the game.
Ferran Torres clocked over 120 minutes for Spain against Albania and Iceland, respectively, and could be benched for this game.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele, on the other hand, should be fresh after nearly two weeks of no action, and are expected to slot into as the striker and right-wing, respectively.
On the left-wing, we could see the inclusion of Memphis Depay, whose creativity could be crucial in breaking Sevilla’s superbly-drilled defence.
Predicted Barcelona XI:
Memphis · Aubameyang · Dembele
Pedri · Busquets · Nico
Alba · Pique · Araujo · Alves
ter Stegen
The bench
Should Gavi and Frenkie de Jong get benched, it would be a fair assumption that they will come in the second half. The same goes for Ferran Torres, who has been in spectacular form since signing for Barça.
Alba’s involvement in the Europa League is crucial, and it would not be farfetched to suggest that one of Oscar Mingueza or Clement Lenglet could come on to replace him at left-back.
Adama Traore‘s time has been cut down after Dembele’s revival, but he has still seen time off the bench without fail.
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