Barcelona face an unexpectedly tough task on Sunday evening when they host Girona in La Liga, who are four points ahead and second in the table.
Girona have been the surprise package in Spain this season with their wonderful start seeing them sit above Real Madrid for many weeks. They are still level on points with the league leaders and could be top again by the time the weekend’s action has concluded.
Barca manager Xavi Hernandez will have been thrilled to have beaten Atletico Madrid last time out, but he knows it will mean little if they cannot win to move within a point of Girona here.
This is the starting XI Xavi may pick when Barca host Girona on Sunday night.
GK: Inaki Pena – With Marc-Andre ter Stegen out until February or even March 2024, Pena will get a prolonged chance to prove himself as Barca’s starting goalkeeper. So far, he is doing a good job.
RB: Jules Kounde – Despite having players in the squad who can form a more conventional back four, Xavi has favoured Kounde at right-back. Given that’s where he played against Atletico, the Frenchman is likely to start there again against another good team.
CB: Ronald Araujo – The Uruguayan is expected to wear a mask for this game as he has a jaw injury which will later need surgery. That is unlikely to stop Araujo from impressing in the Barca backline.
CB: Andreas Christensen – There has been plenty of rotation in this role for Barca but with Inigo Martinez out and Kounde placed at right-back, Christensen should start again.
LB: Joao Cancelo – Known by most as a right-back, Cancelo has excelled on the left for Barca and is keeping Alejandro Balde out of the team at the moment.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – His return from injury has been and will continue to be very important for Barca. They are calmer in possession with the Dutchman on the pitch and his versatility is sure to come in handy again at some point further down the line.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – Gundogan is not banging in the goals to the extent Barca may have hoped for when they signed him in the summer, but the Germany international’s general creativity and ability to keep the ball is very important.
CM: Pedri – With Gavi out, Pedri is representing La Masia in midfield and will likely do so for many years to come. His energy is infectious and Xavi can’t afford him to suffer another injury.
RW: Raphinha – A player who could be on his way out of Barca over the next few transfer windows should things not change, Xavi is still content to keep giving Raphinha the chance to add more goals to his game.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – His seven La Liga goals in 13 games is a healthy tally but the Polish striker will want to start netting a lot more consistently in the coming weeks.
LW: Joao Felix – His role in this team is still not very clear, but Felix netted the winner against his parent club last weekend and deserves the chance to start again here.
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