Xavi Makes Lineup Changes For Must-Win

FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez will be forced to make lineup changes for Sunday’s trip to Villarreal.

Considering title race rivals Real Madrid won 1-0 at Celta Vigo on Friday, thanks to a late header from Jude Bellingham, today’s clash is must-win for the Blaugrana who are currently five points behind the La Liga leaders.

With the match played at 17.30 local time, there have been complaints that the Catalans will be up against the elements at the Estadio de la Ceramica, or rather intense heat at the height of Spanish summer.

Injuries are also another obstacle that Xavi – who will watch from the stands while serving the remainder of his touchline ban – must navigate.

This week, Pedri pulled up in training with a thigh knock it is believed will keep him out for five to six weeks, and therefore joined central defender Ronald Araujo on the sick list.

Though he will undoubtedly be sad for his friend, Gavi stands to gain from Pedri’s absence in that he can occupy the false left wing position in Xavi’s four-man midfield system.

Oriol Romeu will act as the pivot, while Frenkie de Jong and the provider of the assist for Pedri’s opener against Cadiz – Ilkay Gundogan – operate in front of him.

As mentioned, Gavi is the false left winger on the front line where Robert Lewandowski is the striker.

Perhaps being wise not to burn out the 16-year-old, Xavi will not start Lamine Yamal again after his 85-minute display against Cadiz and is replaced by Ferran Torres.

Heading back down the pitch, Marc-Andre ter Stegen – who has just renewed his contract until 2028 – will look to keep his third clean sheet of the season.

Given the green light to start amid doubts that trouble with his ankle would rule him out, Alejandro Balde is preferred at left back over the recently-registered Marcos Alonso.

In central defense, Andreas Christensen partners Jules Kounde while captain Sergio Roberto is the right back amid delays in Joao Cancelo landing from Manchester City on loan.

FC Barcelona Expected Lineup Vs. Villarreal: Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Roberto; Romeu, Gundogan, De Jong; Gavi, Lewandowski, Ferran