The champions face a brutal test after the international break
The first international break of the 2023/24 season is thankfully over and the campaign has begun as Barcelona are set to begin their Champions League stage journey in just a few days, but before the European opener they had a brutal attempt at La Liga in the form of Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis on Saturday night at Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.
Barça come into this after an unbeaten start to the season, picking up 10 points from their opening four games and winning the last three with two dramatic finishes on the road and a mixed bag of performances in the middle of a crazy transfer window. But things are solid now, and Xavi Hernández knows exactly what his squad will be for the next few months.
Now the coach can truly mold this unique group of players into a cohesive unit while trying to compete for the league title and advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time as a manager, and a game against a famous Betis team. which always gives them problems is the perfect test for Blaugrana before they start the continental season.
Here’s how we think Xavi will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle.
Defense
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The expected signing of João Cancelo finally gave Barça hope of a real world-class right-back in their ranks after almost a decade, and the Portugal international made his Barça debut two weeks ago and played well minutes for his national team during their European Qualifiers, so he deserves it. enough to make his first start for Blaugrana in front of the crowd.
Alejandro Balde was on the bench for most of Spain’s two games during the break, which is actually good news for Barça as the left-back has a lot of running to do in Xavi’s system and needs every break he can get. Jules Kounde can finally focus on playing centre-back full-time at club level and has been terrific so far this season, proving he was absolutely right not to want a full-back role anymore .
The big doubt for Saturday is over Kounde’s partner in the middle, with Andreas Christensen still dealing with a calf issue that will force the coaching staff to monitor him closely. minutes in a busy part of games to come.
Perhaps resting the Dane is the best option this weekend, saving him for the opening and giving the Champions League Iñigo MartÃnez the opportunity to make his first start. The summer signing made a brief debut cameo against Osasuna but was a full participant in training for two weeks during the break, and he should be ready to play from the start on Saturday.
Midfield
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Ilkay Gündogan thankfully avoided injury in Germany’s friendly win over France, but it is reasonable to be extra cautious with a player who has quickly become an important part of Barça’s midfield and deserves to be given enough attention especially that Pedri is still recovering from the injury. .
Saving the German for Tuesday is the most logical option, and with young FermÃn López unavailable due to suspension, Xavi has no choice but to play a classic three-man midfield in one of these: Gavi, Oriol Romeu and the amazing Frenkie De Jong more than enough to provide the necessary mix of physicality and creativity in the center of the park, and with two attacking full-backs and an actual front three it would be good to see this specific trio in midfield with a different role that suits their games better.
ATTACKS
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Gündogan’s caution is just one of two big reasons why Xavi should play 4-3-3 this Saturday. Another is the unique form of Ferran Torreswho took advantage of a surprise call-up for Spain and scored twice in midweek to continue his incredible start to the season for club and country.
The Shark is more than worthy of starting and playing meaningful minutes now, and his newfound scoring prowess will also help take the pressure off. Robert Lewandowski, who has now scored four goals in four games for club and country and is slowly starting to find himself again. Having more quality service from two excellent full-backs and two good wings will help him, and the Barça attack has a chance to finally be exciting this weekend with Lewy as the leader this.
The team’s last place is likely to go Lamine Yamal. Yes, he is only 16 years old and naturally there will be a drop-off soon, but there is no reason to take the kid from the team if he is playing well and the schedule is not crazy yet.
Raphinha has played two good games for Brazil and should be more confident, and he would have had a chance to start if not for a late game in Peru on Tuesday and a long flight back home to Barcelona where he barely trained this week, so that’s the best. to save him for the second half and give him a chance to start the Champions League. João Félix had a strong debut against Osasuna and scored for Portugal during the break, but he is best suited to a bench role at Barça now and the schedule will naturally give him the chance to start immediately.
Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Iñigo, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, De Jong; Yamal, Lewandowski, Ferran (4-3-3)
What do you think Barcelona should line up against Real Betis? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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