Pedri and Cubarsi come out with a 4-3-3: how Barcelona should line up against Girona

Barcelona stopped the bleeding after back-to-back losses to PSG and Real Madrid with a win over Valencia last weekend.

The Catalans are practically out of the competition for any trophy this season, due to the blow in the classic it simply shattered any hope of a comeback.

Xavi’s side now look towards the best consolation prize available – second place in the league table – but that is not something that can be taken for granted either.

With Girona breathing down their necks, just two points behind them in La Liga, Barcelona heads into tomorrow’s Catalan derby in a practically essential situation if they hope to finish the season in second place.

Looking ahead to the high-voltage clash against Michel’s men, Xavi will be without Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Gavi, who are not expected to return this season.

Considering the quality of the opposition and the importance of finishing the season in second place, it is unlikely that Xavi will make any major rotations in his lineup that night. After all, the last meeting between the two teams ended with a 4-2 home defeat for his team.

Here is now the Azulgranas should prepare tomorrow night when they face their local rivals in the derby.

Defense: defense of four without changes

After a streak of six consecutive clean sheets in La Liga, Marc-André Ter Stegen He conceded five goals in the team’s last two games.

Starting in goal tomorrow, he will look to get back on track with his 13th clean sheet of the campaign and put aside the haunting memories of last weekend.

Ronald Araújo He will probably start as the team’s defensive leader that night and will also have to make amends at the Estadi Montilivi for his mistake made in the team’s last game.

Joining the Uruguayan defender at the back will be Pau Cubarsithe jewel of the academy that has become known as one of the brightest promises in world football.

Big changes are not expected in the full-back positions either, for Jules Koundé and Joao Cancelo They have established themselves as broadly capable options at right-back and left-back respectively.

The attention, however, will be on the latter after its poor results against PSG and Real Madrid, especially considering that the club has to make a decision about its future.

Midfield: Pedri returns, Fermín on the bench

Xavi’s two constants in the center of the field Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan – Both are expected to start the night as center and interior respectively.

The third place in the center of the field is where the coach faces his first eleven dilemma, with the in-form Fermín López, recently recovered pedri and the club captain, Sergi Roberto, claiming the title.

The Canarian seems to be the best placed to start among the three, especially after Xavi confirmed his return to 100% fitness in his pre-match press conference.

Attack: Lewandowski chasing Pichichi

Moving into the final third, Xavi will likely stick to his proven formula that has worked more often than not in big games.

Lamina Yamal He will start as the team’s right back on the night with him in form. raffin placed on the left flank. Combining their pace with guile, the duo will be tasked with opening up Girona’s tight defensive lines.

Leading the attack from the center, Robert Lewandowski He will seek to close the gap with Girona’s Artem Dobvyk, who leads the race for Pichichi with three more goals than the Polish star.

After scoring an impressive hat-trick against Valencia, he will be more motivated than ever to maintain his good run.

Substitutes

Fermin Lopez It will likely be the manager’s first change from the bench on the night after the youngster put in a special performance in the team’s last game.

Victor RoqueWith rumors of a loan, he deserves at least a brief step from the bench in the important confrontation to prove his worth to the coach.

Joao Felix and Ferran Torres They will continue to make their usual appearances from the bench, rejuvenating the attack in the second half depending on the game situations.

Finally, Inigo Martinez could be called up by the coach, especially considering Cubarsi’s workload. After all, the Basque defender has not had many minutes this season.