Barcelona Faces Tough Test Against Villarreal: Xavi’s Tactical Dilemma and Villarreal’s Injury Woes
Barcelona is set to take on Villarreal this Saturday at 18:30 in Montjuic in a crucial showdown. Xavi Hernández’s team needs a victory to stay in the race for the league title. Before the start of Matchday 22, Barcelona sits in third place, trailing Real Madrid by 7 points and Girona by 8 points, although Girona has played one more game. Xavi Hernández must navigate this match against Villarreal with limited rotation options due to several key injuries.
The Catalans return to LaLiga against a ‘European zone’ rival with little room for error, as Villarreal hasn’t secured a victory this year and suffered a defeat in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca, the same team that eliminated FC Barcelona in the Round of 16.
Barcelona aims to recover in LaLiga after setbacks in the Supercopa de España final against Real Madrid (4-1) and elimination in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals against Athletic Club (4-2). The domestic competition gains increased importance for Barcelona, considering the pace set by Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid and Míchel Sánchez’s Girona.
Injuries still plague Barcelona, with Gavi, Ter Stegen, Balde, Marcos Alonso, Íñigo Martínez, and Raphinha ruled out, while João Cancelo has received medical clearance.
Cubarsí or Héctor Fort Xavi Hernández faces a dilemma in deciding between Cubarsí and Héctor Fort for the defensive lineup. With João Cancelo’s return and medical clearance, likely securing a starting spot, there is only one position available for one of the two academy players.
Pau Cubarsí, at just 16 years old, continues to impress with remarkable defensive concepts in terms of ball distribution, positioning, and character. Despite needing further development, he has showcased his solidity in notable matches, making him a potential starter.
Héctor Fort emerged strengthened from the match against Athletic Club, playing out of position on the left due to Balde’s injury. With the possibility of Cancelo moving to the left, Fort may get an opportunity in his natural position.
Villarreal’s 7 Absences… And Pepe Reina Suspended! The ‘Yellow Submarine’ arrives with several key players unavailable due to injuries: Terrats, Foyth, Pedraza, Yeremy Pino, Denis Suárez, and Parejo. Additionally, Pepe Reina is suspended and will miss this crucial clash.
Probable Lineups: Barcelona: Iñaki Peña; Koundé, Araujo, Cubarsí, Cancelo; Frenkie de Jong, Gündogan, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, and Lamine.
Villarreal: Jörgensen; Femenia, Bailly, Cuenca, Alberto Moreno; Coquelin, Comesaña, Akhomach, Baena; Sörloth, and Gerard Moreno.
