Barcelona stopped the bleeding after back-to-back defeats to PSG and Real Madrid with a win over Valencia last weekend.
The Catalans are now virtually out of contention for any silverware this season, for the blow in El Clasico simply shattered any hopes of a comeback.
Xavi’s side now turn their eyes to the best-available consolation prize – the second place on the league standings, but that too is far from a given.
With Girona breathing down their back just two points behind them in La Liga, Barcelona enter tomorrow’s Catalan derby in a virtual must-win situation if they hope to end the season in second place.
Ahead of the high-voltage clash against Michel’s side, Xavi is without the services of Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Gavi, all of whom are not expected to return this season.
Considering the quality of the opposition and the importance of finishing the season in second place, Xavi is unlikely to make major rotations in his lineup on the night. After all, the last meeting between the two teams ended in a 4-2 defeat at home for his side.
Here is now the Azulgranas should set up tomorrow night as they lock horns with their local rivals in the derby fixture.
Defence: Unchanged back-four
After a run of six consecutive clean sheets in La Liga, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen conceded five goals in the team’s last two outings.
Starting in goal tomorrow, he will look to get back on track with his 13th clean sheet of the campaign and put away the haunting memories of last weekend.
Ronald Araujo will likely start as the team’s leader in defence on the night and will also have amends to make at Estadi Montilivi after his blunder in the team’s last outing.
Joining the Uruguayan defender at the back will be Pau Cubarsi, the academy jewel who has made himself known as one of world football’s brightest prospects.
No major changes are expected in the full-back positions either, for Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo have established themselves as largely able…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/pedri-cubarsi-start-in-a-4-3-3-how-barcelona-should-line-up-against-girona/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-05-03 18:54:20
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