Barcelona is set to host Cadiz in their first official home game of the 2023/24 season in La Liga Matchweek 2 on Sunday.

After a disappointing start to the new campaign with a goalless draw against Getafe, the reigning Spanish champions are eager to secure their first win under manager Xavi Hernandez.

Barcelona will be missing key players for the game. Raphinha is suspended for two matches following his red card against Getafe, and Ronald Araujo is unavailable due to a thigh injury. New signing Inigo Martinez is not fully fit, while Inaki Pena and Marcos Alonso are not registered.

Xavi himself is also serving a two-match ban and won’t be in the dugout. Here’s a potential lineup for Barcelona’s first game at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic:

Goalkeeper:

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to be in goal.

Defense:

With Araujo’s absence, Jules Kounde might move to right-back, allowing Eric Garcia to partner with Andreas Christensen in central defense. Alejandro Balde could be at left-back.

Midfield:

Xavi might stick with a 4-3-3 formation, which shifts to a 3-2-4-1 during attacks. The midfield quartet is likely to remain unchanged from the previous week, despite rumors about Gavi starting.

Barcelona is aiming to bounce back with a strong performance against Cadiz as they seek their first win of the season.

Therefore, Oriol Romeu, the recent addition to the team, will once again take up the pivot role, supported by Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan as the interior midfield duo. Pedri is anticipated to assume the role of a false winger on the left side, often drifting inside to create space for Balde’s forward runs.

The absence of Raphinha on the right flank presents a dilemma for Xavi. While Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal have displayed strong form in preseason, Ansu Fati is also in contention. Nevertheless, Ez Abde is poised to receive the opportunity, as he aligns more closely with the winger profile that Xavi prefers. The ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski will lead the attack for Barça.

Predicted Barcelona Starting XI: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Christensen, Garcia, Balde, de Jong, Romeu, Gundogan, Abde, Lewandowski, Pedri.

Substitutes

Gavi’s presence off the bench is almost certain, as Xavi seeks his dynamic energy and determination in the later stages of the match. Given his recent performances, Lamine Yamal is also deserving of playing time.

Likewise, Ferran Torres is a strong contender, particularly considering his absence from the Getafe match. Ansu Fati remains a viable option for the manager, and Sergi Roberto could also be introduced as a substitute.