Following on from our incredible performance against Real Madrid, to win the Spanish SuperCup. We’re back to the Copa Del Rey for a midweek game against AD Ceuta. Which kicks off away from home at 8pm local time. Although we will be facing the lowest ranked team left in the competition. It’s important we don’t underestimate them. As we saw against Intercity, if you don’t take your chances and leave the Scorsese open, you always leave yourself open for damage. We’re in much better spirits and form since our last Copa Del Rey game, but the point still stands, it’s vital we don’t underestimate them. These kind of games are always the most tricky, and it’s important we end the game with a positive result.
A quick look at our opponents:
Agrupación Deportiva Ceuta Fútbol Club, otherwise known as AD Ceuta are based in group 1 of the Primera División RFEF. It is the third tier of Spanish football, which is similar to Intercity. The team we played beforehand, although they are in Group 2. They currently find themselves bottom of the division with a total of 8 points from a possible 57. They drew their last game at home to Castillo, 2-2. And although they haven’t been impressive in their domestic league, they have managed to knock Elché out of the Copa Del Rey. And of course, like I’ve mentioned before, going away to face teams like this is always difficult. We need to ensure we arrive to the game with the right mentality and take lessons from our last outing in the Copa.
Predicted Lineup:
After such an incredible team performance the other day against Real Madrid. Spirits are high and we need to use all that energy going into tonight’s game. We’re expected to go strong for the lineup, with a few rotations from the Spanish SuperCup. Ronald Araujo has been rested for the game, after playing a lot of football since returning from injury. Memphis is also out of the squad as he finalises his move to Atleti. Other than that, Xavi has selected the full first team for the game. With one noticeable inclusion, Angel Alarcon from the B team. He’s a player who can play off the left and centrally. And considering we’ve just got rid of Memphis, he could turn out to be someone who benefits from his absence. It’s reported that Xavi really likes the player, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a few minutes tomorrow.
In terms of the defence, Iñaki Peña is expected to start. Although there have been reports saying that even Arnau Tenas could make his debut in the Copa. Araujo is obviously being rested and I’d also do the same with Kounde, who deserves a rest too. Bellerin will most likely play at right back with Alba on the opposite side. In the centre I’d go with Eric Garcia and Christensen. There’s no reason whatsoever for Alonso to play.
Midfield and attack
When we move into the rest of the team, it all relies on the system Xavi selects. The four man midfield is a real possibility, although we could obviously go traditional with the 4-3-3. For this game, i think we will revert back to the 4-3-3, with Gavi and Pedri both starting from the bench. It would be great to see Pablo Torre start the game too, after a very impressive performance in our last Copa game.
Lastly in attack, i think its pretty simple. He wasn’t even in the squad last time out, but Lewandowski is back for tonight and he has to start. We need someone who is a guarantee for goals. And considering he won’t be playing on the weekend due to suspension, he should be able to start tonight. I’d start Ansu to the left of him and hopefully he can get on the scoresheet again. And to finish it off, I’d go with Raphinha on the right. Just to give us some creativity on that side. Ferran should get subbed on at some point too. He desperately needs to start scoring and feeling better in himself again. So hopefully he will be able to make a good impact.
My Prediction:
Peña
Bellerin- Eric- Christensen- Alba
Frenkie- Kessie- Torre
Raphinha- Lewandowski- Ansu
