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Barcelona will aspire to return to winning ways when top-four hopefuls Real Betis head to Camp Nou on Saturday.
Despite a tricky run of form – the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid is Barcelona’s only victory in their last five games – Xavi’s side remain 11 points clear at the top of the La Liga table but any further slip-ups would lead to a nervy end to the campaign.
Here’s how Xavi could set up for this one.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – After conceding nearly 20% of this season’s goals last time out in the 2-1 defeat to Ray Vallecano, Ter Stegen will demand a response.
RB: Jules Kounde – Sergi Roberto remains Barcelona‘s only absentee so Kounde will likely have to keep suffering on out wide.
CB: Ronald Araujo – A few slip-ups in recent weeks but Araujo remains one of the best centre-backs around.
CB: Marcos Alonso – Expect Andreas Christensen back on the bench for this one but Alonso will have to start.
LB: Jordi Alba – In search of a change in defence, Xavi may recall the experienced Alba in place of young Alejandro Balde.
DM: Sergio Busquets – The control Busquets brings was sorely missed against Rayo but he has served his suspension and will walk straight back into the team.
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CM: Frenkie de Jong – Busquets’ return will allow De Jong to push further forward and impact that side of the game.
CM: Pedri – The youngster is back from injury and now needs as many minutes as possible to get up to full speed again.
RW: Raphinha – The Brazilian has had a solid month or so but will have to step up as Ousmane Dembele nearly his comeback.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – The Rayo game was one of Lewandowski’s best since the World Cup. This would be a good time to rediscover his best form.
LW: Gavi – Gavi’s energy may be needed in attack until Dembele is back for good.
