A topsy-turvy 2023/24 season for Barcelona is edging towards its conclusion, with Xavi earning some much-needed respite on Monday night.
The 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad arrived after Girona completed the double over their Catalonian rivals the weekend prior. Xavi’s U-turn regarding his future at the club raised plenty of eyebrows, and Barcelona’s up-and-down form in the aftermath has raised questions as to whether the Spaniard deserves to stay on.
A positive end to the campaign would do the boss a world of good in what’s been a pretty bleak season, on the whole. There are three games to go, with Barcelona facing La Liga’s worst outfit, Almeria, away from home on Thursday night.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – The German international seems to be on the decline and there could be an assessment of his future in the summer. For now, he remains the club’s number one.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde has been a shoo-in at right-back for some time, and that’s unlikely to change on Thursday night.
CB: Ronald Araujo – The towering centre-back was an unused substitute against Real Sociedad and is likely to return to the XI on Thursday. His future is up in the air this summer with Bayern Munich reportedly lurking.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – Xavi could opt for the majestic youngster or Inigo Martinez, who earned a rare La Liga start on Monday night.
LB: Hector Fort – Joao Cancelo hasn’t set the world alight at left-back, and with the season drawing to a close it’s an easy way to afford teenager Fort, who has impressed in his rare appearances this term, additional minutes.
CM: Andreas Christensen – In the absence of Frenkie de Jong, Christensen will likely resume his position as Barcelona’s holder in the middle of the park.
CM: Pedri – The Spaniard has been in and out of the side since returning from injury, but he’s poised to make back-to-back starts in the space of four days. Expect Pedri to get another hour under his belt, at least.
CM: Fermin Lopez – Fermin’s box-crashing nature means he’s the most suitable replacement for the suspended Ilkay Gundogan.
RW: Ferran Torres – Lamine Yamal, scorer on Monday night, has to get a breather given the quick turnaround. Xavi has Ferran to call upon and he’d be wise to use him in favour of Yamal against Almeria.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – It doesn’t look like Vitor Roque will be getting any minutes anytime soon. Thus, Lewandowski is almost certain to record another start having impressed in 2024.
LW: Joao Felix – Raphinha has been excellent for Barca as of late, but he could also earn a rest on Thursday. Felix has done little to suggest he’s worth picking up permanently this summer, but he’ll chomping at the bit to change that.
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