Barcelona take on Cadiz as they look to get off the mark in La Liga, having endured a goalless draw against Getafe last week.
The pressure is ramping up on the Champions, with Real Madrid having won both their games so far, and Xavi is facing a number of problems, with Raphinha suspended following his red card.
Barcelona will play a La Liga game at the Estadi Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium for the first time, with Cadiz travelling to face Xavi’s side on Sunday evening.
The loss of Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain makes Raphinha’s absence all the more noticeable, and Xavi has a number of options he could use to replace the Brazilian on the right wing.
Ansu Fati, who has been linked with a move away, could gain a start, whilst young wingers Abde Ezzalzouli and Lamine Yamal will also be pushing for a start, but Xavi may overlook these options in favour of Ferran Torres.
How could Barcelona line up against Cadiz?
With Ronald Araujo injured, and a deal for right-back Joao Cancelo not yet confirmed, Xavi may be forced to use Sergi Roberto at full-back, with Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen in the middle.
The same midfield of Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie De Jong could be used, with Pedri playing as an inverted winger on the left. This will mean Gavi starts on the bench for the second game in a row.
With Raphinha out, it seems that Xavi will turn to his most experienced option in Torres, over the three La Masia products. Torres was impressive in pre-season, and Xavi has previously described him as “wonderful.” Now could be the chance for him to prove to his manager why he should start more regularly.
Barcelona predicted XI vs Cadiz: Ter Stegen, Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde, Romeu, Gundogan, De Jong, Torres, Lewandowski, Pedri.