Barcelona’s turbulence has continued at the start of 2024, and their inability to mount a sustained run has heaped the pressure on Xavi.
The former midfielder seemed destined to lead a long and successful project in Catalonia despite the club’s financial woes, but Barca’s recent Copa del Rey exit has left the manager on the brink.
Wednesday night’s defeat at Athletic Club was a crushing blow given what the Copa represented this term. After their Supercopa humiliation, Spain’s leading domestic cup was Barca’s best chance of securing silverware.
However, there’s little time for the Blaugrana to feel sorry about themselves as they’re back in La Liga action against Villarreal on Saturday. It’s a must-win for the hosts, and here’s how they could line up.
GK: Inaki Pena – Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undoubtedly been missed between the sticks, but the German isn’t expected to return until March after undergoing back surgery.
RB: Jules Kounde – Joao Cancelo’s a doubt with a knee issue, so Kounde is currently the favourite to continue at right-back.
CB: Ronald Araujo – The 24-year-old is set to marshal an incredibly young Barcelona backline on Saturday.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Cubarsi’s only recently emerged in Xavi’s first-team set-up, but he’s taken to senior football like a fish to water.
LB: Hector Fort – With Alejandro Balde set to miss out, 17-year-old Fort is the most likely candidate to deputise for the Spaniard after impressing off the bench at San Mames. Cancelo’s another option if he’s fit.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – The Dutchman struggled somewhat on Wednesday night, but he remains critical to Barca’s success in the middle of the park.
CM: Pedri – A bright spot for Barca is that Pedri has enjoyed a run in the side. Long may the injuries stay away.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Xavi could shuffle his midfield pack, but given the inexperience of his backline, a figure like Gundogan may be needed on Saturday.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The teenager dazzled in the reverse fixture and was incredibly busy on Wednesday night. Yamal missed a couple of excellent chances after scoring a wonderful goal. Xavi has carefully managed his minutes, but he’ll start again this weekend.
ST: Ferran Torres – Robert Lewandowski isn’t offering Barca much right now and Vitor Roque isn’t ready for a La Liga start. Ferran, who netted a hat-trick at Betis last week, deserved to start up top.
LW: Joao Felix – Felix returned to the scoresheet last weekend and with Ferran shifting central, he’s the best option for Xavi down the left flank.
