Xavi Has Two Lineup Surprises For Must-Win Tie

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez will make a pair of surprise call ups to his first XI for Sunday’s must-win clash against Cadiz at the Montjuic Stadium.

Two key developments over the past seven days meant that there were vacant spots in attack and defense.

Right winger Raphinha was red-carded and banned for two matches for an elbow smash before half time in the 0-0 draw at Getafe, and central defender Ronald Araujo, who has been playing at right back for most of the preseason friendlies and the Getafe stalemate, picked up an injury that it is expected to keep him out for at least a month.

Xavi won’t be allowed to command his team from the touchline after also picking up a red card for vigorously protesting a foul on Ez Abde at Getafe.

Not helping his case was slamming the officiating as an “embarrassment” post-match, and his brother Oscar will be in the dugout for the next couple of matches.

Xavi is of course still allowed to select the team, though, and he should pick captain Sergi Roberto to stand in at right back while Ferran Torres – not Lamine Yamal as touted – occupies the right wing.

Starting from the goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will look to keep another clean sheet with Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Roberto in front of him in a back four.

In a midfield three, pivot Oriol Romeu sits behind Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong while Pedri is a false left winger further forward.

Up top, it is Ferran partnering a Robert Lewandowski who is already three goals behind Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham in the race to reclaim the Pichichi for Spain’s top scorer.

Speaking of Los Blancos, it is still early days yet the fact they have already picked up six points and Barca just the one thus far makes the Catalans’ debut at their temporary home the Montjuic Stadium a must-win.

Culers in the ground and worldwide will also look to be entertained, seeking improvements on last week’s showing against Getafe.

FC Barcelona Expected First XI vs. Cadiz: Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Roberto; Romeo, Gundogan, De Jong; Pedri, Lewandowski, Ferran