After a decent performance in midweek against Man United, we turn our attention back to La Liga tonight as Barca face Cadiz. Live from the Camp Nou at 9pm local time. We were frustrated with the overall result in midweek. As we basically weakened ourselves before the game started. But overall, I think this fan base overreacted a lot about the game.
It was always going to be a tough game. But we competed really well against one of the most inform teams in Europe right now. And even despite all the changes, we still managed to pick up a decent result. Attention turns back to La Liga, where our priority lays. And we’ll be hoping to put in a convincing performance and grab a decent result against what will be a tricky Cadiz side.
A quick look at our opponents:
Like I’ve just mentioned, Cadiz are never a fun team to play. They’re one of those teams that just simply don’t play an entertaining style of football. We can expect them to come to the Camp Nou and sit in a very deep block. They’re going to try and frustrate us as much as they can. But Barca need to ensure we turn up for the game and take care of any chances we create against Cadiz.
Cadiz currently find themselves in 16th place, 2 points above Valencia in the relegation zone. They have won two, lost two and drawn one of their last five games. With their most recent result coming in a 2-0 win at home to Girona. Before that however, they lost 4-1 away at Athletic Club.
Over the course of the season so far they have managed to score 17 goals, whilst concede 33 in the process. It’s going to be a tricky game, like it always is against Cadiz. But we’re going to be hoping to come away from the game with a positive result.
Predicted lineup:
When it comes to the lineup, we are going to be without Araujo, due to suspension. As well as Dembele who has recently started training back on the field. That is a positive piece of news. Just as it is with the return of our captain, Sergio Busquets.
The one piece of bad news before the game is the absence of Pedri. For me, the most frustrating thing about the united game in midweek, wasn’t the result. But it was the injury that came to Pedri. He picked up a knock just before half time, and is expected to be out for a minimum of 3 weeks.
Losing Pedri for the next several weeks is a huge blow. So I’ve struggled to accept parts of the fan base who are more annoyed at a fair draw against one of Europe’s most in form teams. Instead of aiming that frustration at the fact that we’ve now lost our best player for almost the next month. He’s going to be a big loss to the team, and our setup will be forced to change without him. But it should in turn give more minutes for the likes of Ansu, Ferran and Pablo Torre. Who are all looking for confidence and consistent minutes.
Both Ansu and ferran had good cameos against united, so hopefully the can build on from that. Busquets is back in midfield, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start. Or at least come off the bench. Xavi did say that there may be rotations. But I don’t think we’ll go crazy with them. I’d expect Christensen to come back in for Alonso. And Balde too for Alba.
Although we need to ensure both of them start again against United on Thursday. Raphinha has been growing more and more into the team ove recent weeks so hell keep his place. Alongside Lewandowski. He’s been performing well recently, but he’ll be looking to get out of the goal drought he’s currently in.
My starting 11:
Kounde- Christensen- Eric- Balde
Gavi- Busquets- Frenkie
Raphinha- Lewandowski- Ansu
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