As pressure continues to mount on Xavi at Barcelona, the La Liga champions face a trip to third division Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
Barca visit the Spanish minnows in the last 16 of the competition, although they will need to be wary of Unionistas. The Primera Federacion side knocked Villarreal out in the last round, beating the 2021 Europa League winners on penalties.
The Catalan giants will be looking to bounce back from a disheartening 4-1 defeat to rivals Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final last Sunday, their second defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season.
However, even with injuries and suspensions, Xavi should have more than enough to deal with the threats of the third-tier side, the Spaniard perhaps offering a few fringe players opportunities to shine.
GK: Inaki Pena – The absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen means Pena is Barca’s only option between the sticks. The goalkeeper has only kept one clean sheet in 11 appearances this season.
RB: Sergi Roberto – Having been used in a variety of positions this season, Roberto may revert to right-back against Unionistas. Joao Cancelo’s injury leaves Barca short in that department.
CB: Jules Kounde – The Frenchman was part of a faltering defence against Real Madrid but should have less work to do in his own half against Unionistas.
CB: Andreas Christensen – Injury to Inigo Martinez and a Ronald Araujo suspension mean Christensen’s spot in the starting lineup is unrivalled. The Dane has generally performed well when called upon this term.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Barca’s young prodigy, 20-year-old Balde has already established himself as the club’s senior option at left-back. With Marcos Alonso also injured, the Spaniard is unlikely to be offered a rest on Thursday.
CM: Fermin Lopez – Enjoying his breakout season with Barca, Lopez has generally been utilised in the more simplistic fixtures by Xavi. Having clocked up 20 appearances already, he’s likely to add another to his tally on Thursday.
CM: Oriol Romeu – Having been a regular at the start of the season, Romeu has fallen down the pecking order. However, he could be gifted a rare start against Unionistas.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – Despite Barca not being in great form, De Jong has continually stepped up to the plate. The Dutchman has been integral in central midfield when fit.
RW: Ferran Torres – The Spaniard has been a handy option for Barca this season and he has hopefully calmed down since the defeat to Real Madrid. With Lamine Yamal suspended and Raphinha injured, Torres should get the nod on the right.
ST: Vitor Roque – Having made just two cameo appearances for Barca so far, the Brazilian could be handed his first start on Thursday as he chases a debut goal for the Catalan side.
LW: Joao Felix – Largely used on the left of a front three this season, the Portuguese has been delivering mixed performances. The Atletico Madrid loanee is now six games without a goal.
READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90Mins
