Official: Barcelona starting XI to take on Cadiz — Koeman makes no changes

In a surprising turn of events, there have been no changes made to the starting lineup that took on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 as the Blaugranas get ready to host Cadiz at the Camp Nou for gameweek 24 of La Liga. The onus is upon them to close down the gap with Atletico Madrid, who lost against Levante at home.

Lionel Messi will flaunt the captain’s armband starting in a false 9 outfit, while Antoine Griezmann takes up the spot to his left. On the other side, Ousmane Dembele will be hoping to bounce back from the disastrous outing he suffered in the UCL.

Behind this attacking triumvirate, we will see Frenkie de Jong headline the midfield with the usual suspects of Sergio Busquets in defensive midfield and Pedri in the hybrid 8/10 role on the left. Cadiz often deploy a low-block and de Jong’s off the ball runs, coupled with Pedri’s through-balls will be key in this clash.

Sergino Dest gets his second start in a row since December, taking on the right-back position. Despite a horror showing against PSG, Clement Lenglet gets the chance to start again, partnered with Pique in the centre of the park. Jordi Alba rounds off the backline as the left-back, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen dawns the gloves for the Garnet and Blue.

Confirmed XI: ter Stegen; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann

After the hollow performance against PSG, fans should not be expecting fireworks from this game. The team morale will be at a season-low, with even tougher fixtures ahead. That said, we can expect moments of individual brilliance from Messi and co. to take the team through to 49 points.