Xavi Makes History And Changes To Lineup

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez will help one of his players make history with his lineup against Osasuna on Sunday, which also features key changes.

By starting as a false left winger in the four man midfield system, reigning Golden Boy Gavi will become the youngest player to make 100 appearances in a Blaugrana shirt.

The Andalusian keeps new signing Joao Felix on the bench for now, with the Portuguese later capable of making Xavi revert back to the traditional 4-3-3 that boasts two pure widemen.

Elsewhere in midfield, Ilkay Gundogan partners Gavi in the more attacking positions while Oriol Romeu and Frenkie de Jong form a double pivot.

At the back, Felix’s fellow new arrival and compatriot gets the nod from the get go now that Xavi finally has his long craved natural right back.

The ex-Manchester City man immediately replaces Sergio Roberto, who was reportedly berated by his manager Xavi for playing a part in Marc-Andre ter Stegen conceding three at Villarreal last Sunday.

The German will look to keep his third clean sheet of the season at El Sadar, with Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde trying to help in this endeavour alongside Cancelo.

One of the biggest questions fans and pundits had in mind would be who occupies the right wing berth now that Raphinha has returned from suspension.

Once more, however, it seems that 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal has seen off competition from not just Ferran Torres but also the €60 million ($65 million) Brazilian to man that area of the pitch with striker Robert Lewandowski.

“Sometimes you give too much importance to starting the match from the beginning,” Xavi said at his prematch press conference yesterday, when asked how he will manage Yamal and Raphinha.

“Ferran, for example, has been a substitute for two matches and has made a difference and scored two goals. The player has to understand that there are five changes and they are important. Whether one or the other plays, they have to be prepared to go in,” Xavi added.

On this occasion, it might be Felix, Ferran and Raphinha who are called upon to provide an attacking edge, should Barca struggle to dominate their foe as seen in their three La Liga outings thus far.

With Real Madrid five points clear, Barca’s last match before the international break is once more must-win.

FC Barcelona Expected First XI Vs. Osasuna: Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Cancelo; De Jong, Romeu, Gundogan; Gavi, Lewandowski, Raphinha.