FC Barcelona, under the astute guidance of Xavi Hernandez, strategically disclosed their lineup for the upcoming clash against Osasuna at El Sadar, a spectacle set for matchday 4 in LaLiga EA Sports 2023/2024. As the blaugrana venture back to The Sadar, the anticipation looms for their pursuit of a triumphant third consecutive victory, a narrative sculpted through recent triumphs over Cádiz (2-0) and Villarreal (3-4). The 'rojillo' adversaries, bearing the weight of elimination from the Conference League by the Club Witches, present a challenging canvas for Barcelona's artistic football.
In a labyrinth of recent encounters, Barcelona has triumphed four times with a solitary draw against Osasuna. Xavi's charges embark on this fixture with a keen awareness that Osasuna poses a formidable challenge, demanding an exertion of 101% to secure three crucial points. The Catalans, buoyed by a well-rested squad and the absence of Pedri and Araújo due to injuries, stand at the zenith of their readiness. Xavi, the master tactician, meticulously crafts a competitive XI, integrating recent additions like Iñigo Martínez, Joao Félix, and Joao Cancel, injecting a new dimension into the team dynamics.
A subplot emerges as Xavi unveils a lineup that propels Gavi into history, positioning him as a false left winger in the midfield quartet. Gavi, the reigning Golden Boy, etches his name as the youngest player to achieve 100 appearances in the iconic Blaugrana jersey. The tactical intricacies extend further, with Joao Felix biding his time on the bench, poised to potentially trigger a shift back to the traditional 4-3-3 formation.
Midfield dynamics unfold with Ilkay Gundogan partnering Gavi in attacking roles, while Oriol Romeu and Frenkie de Jong establish a robust double pivot. Defensive deliberations showcase the inclusion of Sergio Roberto over Joao Cancelo, a decision attributed to Roberto's purported role in Marc-Andre ter Stegen conceding three goals against Villarreal.
In the quest for offensive prowess, the right-wing dilemma unfolds, where the prodigious Lamine Yamal eclipses competition from Ferran Torres and the €60 million Brazilian to claim his spot alongside striker Robert Lewandowski. Xavi, in his characteristic wisdom, downplays the significance of starting from the beginning, emphasizing the impact of substitutes, exemplified by Ferran's impactful contributions from the bench.
As the narrative unfolds, the prospect of Felix, Ferran, and Raphinha gracing the field becomes a potential catalyst for an attacking surge, a contingency plan should Barcelona encounter challenges in dominance. The enigmatic Joao Cancelo looms as a potential debutant, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
With Real Madrid establishing a five-point lead, this encounter shapes up as a must-win for Barcelona before the international break. The expected first XI showcases a formidable lineup: Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Kounde, Roberto; De Jong, Romeu, Gundogan; Gavi, Lewandowski, Raphinha, setting the stage for a riveting spectacle at El Sadar.
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