Barcelona enters their final UEFA Champions League group stage match against Viktoria Plzen with virtually nothing to lose.
Xavi would like to utilize the bench strength to offer the fringe players some playing time on the field now that a spot in the Europa League is guaranteed for the second consecutive season.
In this manner, players who are consistently in the starting XI would receive much-needed rest ahead of the weekend match against Almeria.
Here, we examine five adjustments Xavi might make in the Champions League match against the Czech club.
Ferran Torres for Robert Lewandowski
As previously reported, Robert Lewandowski, a great forward, has played in 1,389 of a possible 1,530 minutes of football this season. Consequently, it is anticipated that the former Bayern Munich forward will not play in a contest that is essentially meaningless to the side.
Ferran Torres is the person most likely to accept the position in turn. Although he hasn’t played as a center forward for Barcelona this year, the 22-year-old is extremely accustomed to the position from his time with Manchester City.
Jules Kounde for Gerard Pique
the signing of Due to Joules Kounde’s injury against Valencia, Xavi is understandably expected to be cautious with his first-choice defender, who has also played as right- back.
Given that the management does not have many options, a certain Gerard Pique may start his first game since the 3-3 draw against Inter.
Marcos Alonso for Eric Garcia
The same thing happened to center defender Eric Garcia versus Valencia, and he was eventually replaced by Marcos Alonso during the first half.
In order to keep Garcia out of trouble against Viktoria Plzen, Xavi should ideally consider the notion of starting the former Chelsea player.
Pablo Torre for Pedri
new signature Although the 19-year-old was prominent on the preseason tour, Pablo Torre hasn’t appeared in a Barcelona game this year.
The young player elected not to leave the team on loan during the summer transfer window, and tonight’s UCL match against Czech Republic is poised to give the fans a peek of him in place of Pedri (tentative), who has been used frequently this season.
Raphinha for Ousmane Dembele
Raphinha was demoted from his normal starting position by Xavi due to his inability to maintain his form in crucial games.
However, Tuesday’s encounter will provide the ex-Leeds United winger with the ideal opportunity to return to his normal form as he might start in lieu of Ousmane Dembele, who has started Barcelona’s previous three games.
