Xavi Hernandez, the manager of Al-Sadd, has made several lineup changes for their upcoming must-win match. The team will face Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League, and after suffering a defeat in their previous match, Al-Sadd needs a victory to keep their hopes alive. Xavi has made tactical changes, including bringing in new players and adjusting positions. He believes these changes will help the team play a more attacking and winning style of football. Xavi is under pressure to achieve positive results and keep Al-Sadd’s campaign alive in the tournament..
FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez will be forced to make lineup changes for Sunday’s trip to Villarreal.
Considering title race rivals Real Madrid won 1-0 at Celta Vigo on Friday, thanks to a late header from Jude Bellingham, today’s clash is must-win for the Blaugrana who are currently five points behind the La Liga leaders.
With the match played at 17.30 local time, there have been complaints that the Catalans will be up against the elements at the Estadio de la Ceramica in intense heat at the height of Spanish summer.
Injuries are also another obstacle that Xavi – who will watch from the stands while serving the remainder of his two-game touchline ban – must navigate.
This week, midfield ace Pedri pulled up in training with a thigh knock which it is believed will keep him out for five to six weeks, and therefore joined central defender Ronald Araujo on the sick list.
Though he will undoubtedly be sad for his friend, Gavi stands to gain from Pedri’s loss in that he can occupy the false left winger position in Xavi’s four-man midfield system.
Oriol Romeu will act as the pivot, while Frenkie de Jong and the provider of the assist for Pedri’s opener against Cadiz – Ilkay Gundogan – operate in front of him.
As mentioned, Gavi is the false left winger on the front line where Robert Lewandowski is the striker.
Ahead of Ferran Torres yet again, Xavi will start 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal off the back of his impressive 85-minute display against Cadiz.
Heading back down the pitch, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen – who has just renewed his contract until 2028 – will look to keep his third clean sheet of the season.
Amid doubts that trouble with his ankle would rule him out, Alejandro Balde will be omitted at left back so that the recently-registered Marcos Alonso can play.
In central defense, Andreas Christensen partners Jules Kounde while captain Sergio Roberto is the right back in light of delays in Joao Cancelo landing from Manchester City on loan.
FC Barcelona Lineup Vs. Villarreal: Ter Stegen; Alonso, Christensen, Kounde, Roberto; Romeu, Gundogan, De Jong; Gavi, Lewandowski, Lamine
FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez will have to make changes to the lineup for their upcoming match against Villarreal. The game is crucial for Barcelona as they are currently five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid. In addition to the pressure from the title race, Barcelona will also have to contend with the intense heat at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Xavi will be without midfielder Pedri, who is out with a thigh injury for five to six weeks. Youngster Gavi is set to benefit from Pedri’s absence, taking his position on the field. Other lineup changes include the inclusion of Lamine Yamal and Marcos Alonso.
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