Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Cadiz

A gruelling ninety minutes were in store for Barcelona when they took on Manchester United in midweek at Spotify Camp Nou. Though Xavi Hernandez’s men were the favourites with the home advantage, they were lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw.

On Sunday night, the Blaugranas step onto the grasses of Camp Nou once more before the challenging second leg vs Manchester United. They host Cadiz, a side they easily dismantled at Estadio Ramon de Carranza, but have struggled to deal with at home in recent years.

Sergio’s men currently sit in 16th place on the league standings, having won just five of their 21 games so far. Yet, they have notably beaten Atletico Madrid this season and enter Sunday’s game off a dominant win over Girona.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Cadiz.

1. Drastic changes in midfield

Sunday’s game against Cadiz could have been the night Xavi Hernandez once again had a completely fit midfield at his disposal. However, it was not meant to be.

Barcelona suffered a huge blow midweek against Manchester United when Pedri went down with a thigh injury in the first half. The young star is expected to be sidelined for close to a month, and will only return to action for the second Clasico of March.

While one midfielder moved to the treatment table, Xavi will be compensated by the return of Sergio Busquets. The captain received the medical all-clear earlier today and is expected to start on the night to recover his rhythm ahead of next’s weeks clash at Old Trafford.

Xavi’s choice of midfield for Sunday’s game thus becomes crucial. Busquets and Frenkie de Jong are assured of a spot against Cadiz and Gavi will almost certainly continue on the left wing. The question, however, is over the third spot in midfield.

Purely off the manager’s decisions in recent games, Franck Kessie is best placed to start as the third midfielder. Yet, there is a strong case for Pable Torre’s inclusion.

The youngster has barely seen any action as a first-team player thus far this season but is the closest in profile to the missing Pedri. If Xavi plans on utilising Torre to surprise Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, starting the youngster on Sunday could be a worthy bet.

2. Ronald Araujo’s suspension

With the second leg of the Europa League tie less than a week ago, rotations undoubtedly form a big factor in the back of Xavi’s mind. Thus, Ronald Araujo’s suspension comes at the perfect time as the Uruguayan would have been rested on Sunday nevertheless.

Further, one can expect Jules Kounde to start on the bench too, with Sergi Roberto starting at right-back. In central defence, Andreas Christensen will lead the charge after sitting out most of the clash against Manchester United. He will likely be partnered by Eric Garcia, as the La Masia graduate hopes to regain his lost prominence.

The clash against Cadiz thus becomes significant as a test for Barcelona’s bench strength in defence. The Catalans have never beaten Sergio’s men at home since their promotion to the first division and even lost to them at Spotify Camp Nou last season.

The need for confidence is real ahead of a tough game in Europe next week, and the defence will be crucial if Barça are to cruise to a win at their own den on Sunday.

3. High time for the Polish express to restart

Robert Lewandowski’s fine form in front of the goal was one of Barcelona’s most valuable assets in the first half of the season. Until the international break in November, the Polish striker seemed to be an unstoppable goal-scoring machine as he raced to the top of La Liga’s scoring charts.

The story after the World Cup has been completely different. Lewandowski has been instrumental in the Catalans’ combination play in the final third, but no longer has the X-factor in finishing.

His struggles in front of goal have come back to bite Barcelona, as exemplified in the Europa League game midweek. In ninety minutes, the Pole only managed one shot on target and recorded a subpar xG of 0.14.

Xavi needs his star striker to step up, and do so soon. Barcelona have shown to possess alternate sources for goals in recent games, but Lewandowski’s return to form would take them to a whole new level and support their race on all fronts.