After a long two week international break, we’re finally back in action. Tonight at 9pm local time, Barça will be facing Elche away from home. It’s the beginning of the final 12 games of the season, and every single one from now until the end of the season is vital. Like always, a positive result tonight is the most important thing. And although Elche are right at the very bottom of the table, they shouldn’t be underestimated. We cant take the game for granted.
And as we know, games right after an international break are always difficult, no matter who the opponent is. So its vital we turn up for the game and come away with a positive result. That’s the most important thing. There are expected to be heavy rotations tomorrow, mainly forced changes. We’re going to be without at least five of our first team players. Frenkie, Pedri, Dembele and Christensen are all out injured. Whilst Raphinha is serving a one match ban, for an accumulation of yellow cards. So it’ll be interesting to see how we lineup later tonight. We have to go as strong as possible.
A quick look at our opponents:
As mentioned before, Elche are rock bottom in the table. They’ve got a total of 13 points, 14 points off safety. Over the course of the season so far, they’ve scored a total of 20 goals and have conceded 51 goals in the process. Making them the worst defence in the league. However, coming into the game they’ll have a new manager. Which obviously makes them a little more unpredictable, and is why we shouldn’t take the game lightly. Their record over the course of the season is quite dreary, with a total of 2 wins, 7 draws and 17 losses. Elche have struggled a lot this season, but that doesn’t make our task any easier. Coming away with a positive result is the most important thing, and we’re definitely going to have to work for it.
Predicted lineup:
Getting into the lineup, it’ll be interesting to see how Barça lineup vs Elche. As I’ve touched on slightly before, we are coming into the game with a number of key absentees. Pedri and Dembele are still out injured. With Frenkie and Christensen picking up knocks over the international break. Raphinha is suspended, so it means our options are pretty limited. Which is mainly why Xavi has called up three new faces from the youth teams. Estanis Pedrola, Aleix Garrido and Marc Casado all join the squad list. As well as Alarcon who has been a regular in the squad for some time now. Although theyr’e probably most likely not going to start, it’ll be exciting to see if any get subbed on. Especially Estanis, who is red hot form right now for Barça Athletic.
So, as far as the lineup goes, i think it almost picks itself. Araujo has received the medical green light so i doubt he’d start tonight. So that means Kounde and Alonso will be together at centre back. Roberto will probably start at right back, with Balde on the opposite side. Alba may get ahead of him, but we’re going to need some pace in the team. Especially without Raphinha. There has been talk, and Xavi even confirmed the idea yesterday, that Eric Garcia could play at pivot. Maybe tonight ours be an ideal opportunity to see that happen. Gavi, Busquets and Kessie will make up the midfield. With Lewandowski and Ansu Fati up front. Hopefully this can be a game where Fati can really take his chance. He’s had a difficult few weeks, and nothing would feel better than a solid performance tonight.
My starting lineup:
Ter Stegen
Roberto- Kounde- Alonso- Balde
Kessie- Busi- Eric- Gavi
Lewandowski- Ansu
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