Match Preview – Barcelona VS Cadiz

Next up on the agenda for FC Barcelona is a game against Cadiz. It’s our very first game from our new temporary home for the season. Live from 7;30 pm local time, its our second official game of the season and already its a very important game. After a disappointing start away at Getafe last week, its vital we get straight back on track in front of the home fans tonight. Cadiz are never an easy test for FC Barcelona . They’re going to be most likely sitting in a low block, once again. Although i imagine they’re not going to be as violent as the disgusting Bordelas team we had to endure last weekend. With that being said though, I’m still expecting it to be a difficult game. Low blocks are always tricky to break down, so its important we get the lineup right too. 

Lessons learnt so far:

I think already early into the season, there are lessons we could’ve already learnt. Especially when it comes to team selection. Against a low block, having four midfielders is probably not our best bet. We need width to try and spread the field as wide as possible. That’s not to say that the 4 man midfield setup wont ever work, because it has proven in the past to work wonders. I just think we need to be more selective with it. 

One positive thing about the start of the season is depth. We’ve got quality depth in the midfield this season with the addition of Gundogan and experience in defence with the arrival of Iñigo Martinez. He’s expected to be fit for our following game. With depth comes competition and that’s a good thing. So its important we rotate whenever possible to keep the team fresh. 

Predicted lineup:

Usually at this point of the preview I’d be talking more in depth about our opponents, but seeing as its only the second game of the season, we’re just going to jump straight into the predicted lineup for the game. For me, I would definitely change the formation from last time out to a 3 man midfield and a trident up top. Ferran had a fantastic pre season and deserves to start tonight, as well as Ansu Fati. Ansu also has a great connection with Lewandowski and that should hopefully help the latter get back into some form. We desperately need that. Having two wide players should keep Lewy close to the box, reducing the need for him to drop deeper. We don’t need that. He’s the best finisher in world football, so we have to keep him in and around the box where he can do the most damage. If Ansu doesn’t get a start, then i would 100% put Abde on the left too. He had a good impact against Getafe when he came on. He makes things happen and that’s exactly what we need. Plus his 1v1 ability is desperately needed. 

In the midfield, I really want to see Gavi get in the starting lineup with Pedri and Romeu. And then in defence, seeing as Barcelona are unfortunately without Araujo vs Cadiz due to injury. I would reluctantly put Roberto at RB with Kounde, Christensen and Balde filling in the back 4. 

My starting 11:

Ter Stegen

Roberto- Kounde- Christensen- Balde

Gavi- Romeu- Pedri

Ferran- Lewandowski- Ansu

Ryan Edwards