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11 months ago
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Barcelona will look to defend their Spanish Super Cup crown as they take on Real Madrid in the final of competition for the second season running.
They saw off Osasuna two goals to nil, courtesy of a wonder strike from Robert Lewandowski and an injury-time dagger from Lamine Yamal in midweek to reach the final.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, put on a bigger spectacle, playing Atletico Madrid in the semis, defeating them 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller that went into extra time.
The Clasico final between the two was a tremendous game last season, with Xavi’s side coming out comfortably victorious, headlined by a man-of-the-match performance from Gavi.
The Spaniard picked up an ACL injury in November and will not be available to replicate his performance from last season tomorrow.
Barcelona will also be without Joao Cancelo, who is not expected to be fit in time for the final. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marcos Alonso, meanwhile, are nursing back injuries.
The Catalans do have Pedri back, though, but there are question marks over his starting spot. Barça Universal take the chance to predict the starting lineup Xavi will field.
Defence: BACK retained
Inaki Pena has taken over from Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal and put up a solid display vs Osasuna. He will continue taking responsibility of the gloves tomorrow.
With Cancelo out, Xavi is expected to retain the entirety of the back-four that started the 2-0 win this midweek and the 3-1 Clasico win from last season’s final.
Jules Kounde was brilliant at right-back against Osasuna and is expected to start there again despite the threat of Vinicius Jr. on the wing. That is primarily because the Brazilian’s starting position will be much narrower in Carlo Ancelotti’s new system.
Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will pick up the pieces in central defence, hoping to keep another clean sheet. The former looked particularly suspect in the semi-finals, but cannot be dropped against Madrid.
Finally, Alejandro Balde will be the final piece of the puzzle as the left-back, hoping to negate the threat of Daniel Carvajal, who had a goal and two assists vs Atletico.
Midfield: Pedri starts
The biggest boost for Barcelona will be Pedri’s return, who put up a superb cameo against Osasuna in 30 minutes. His presence, as a starter, could be key to breaking Real Madrid’s diamond midfield.
Ilkay Gundogan was once again one of the best players on the pitch in the semi-finals, assisting Lewandowski for the opener. He should get the nod as the pivot vs Madrid, too.
Frenkie de Jong will be the final piece of the puzzle, taking on the role next to Gundogan as the first receiver from the defence.
Attack: Fermin, Ferran, or Felix?
Lamine Yamal to replace Raphinha? (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)There are huge question marks over Xavi’s setup for tomorrow, and whether he will use an additional midfielder for control, or continue with the classic 4-3-3.
With Raphinha out, Barça loses a ton of work rate and control in the middle third, so we expect Fermin Lopez to start as the left-winger.
Robert Lewandowski will undoubtedly retain his spot as the striker after a goal that should boost his confidence. He was also on target in last year’s final, which should motivate him enough.
The right winger spot picks itself for tomorrow. Lamine Yamal replaced the injured Raphinha and ended up on the scoresheet as well; he should be the final piece of the puzzle in the front three.
Off the bench
Both Ferran Torres and Joao Felix will be gunning to get off the bench and participate against Real Madrid tomorrow, and will likely be among the first ones in, especially if Barcelona are trailing in the second half.
Sergi Roberto has been in solid form across the last few weeks, and there is no reason why he should not get minutes against a side he constantly does well against.
Finally, Xavi could also bring on Vitor Roque to replace one of the attackers or add more offensive trade to the lineup that is largely based on control.
