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11 months ago
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Barcelona are eyeing their first title of the new season as they take on Real Madrid in the Super Cup final.
The Catalans are coming on the back of a comfortable 2-0 victory over Osasuna in the semis. They are also looking to retain the Super Cup title, having beaten Real Madrid 3-1 in the final last season.
However, things could prove to be a lot trickier for Barça this time around. Form clearly hasn’t helped Xavi, while the injury list continues to pile up.
With that in mind, Xavi must come up with tactical improvisations as he looks to find balance in his roster and build a side that can take on the mighty Real Madrid.
Xavi contemplates 4-man midfield vs Real Madrid
According to Mundo Deportivo, one of Xavi’s tactical manoeuvres heading into the Real Madrid game could include the introduction of a four-man midfield setup.
The report suggests that a 4-man midfield could be a real possibility against Real Madrid, largely thanks to the return of Pedri.
The young midfielder has been passed fit to appear in El Clasico this weekend, serving as a huge relief for coach Xavi.
Pedri is back in contention (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
With Pedri back, the Barcelona coach has the option to opt for a 4-man midfield, in which Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong would remain guaranteed starters.
However, since Pedri has just come back from an injury, he will have to compete with Fermin Lopez, Sergi Roberto and Fermin Lopez for the two remaining spots.
It must be noted that Roberto has been in excellent form in recent matches, whereas Fermin is an interior midfielder who can add more creativity.
Given that Barcelona already have Gundogan and de Jong stationed in deeper positions, the combination of Pedri and Fermin in the interior roles could work.
Alternatively, Xavi could start with Roberto and de Jong in the deeper roles, with Gundogan and Pedri operating in advanced positions.
