Amidst the clamour of the transfer window, Barcelona are looking to distance themselves from the off-field noise and provide optimism on the pitch, where the club faltered ever so slightly in the opening game against Getafe.
Set to make their debut in the Olímpic Lluís Companys de Montjuïc, the Catalans will be eager to start afresh and make things right against Cadiz.
The reigning La Liga champions possess an innately talented squad, but it is up to Xavi to decide who gets the nod in the starting XI.
Gavi to return to the starting XI
The clash against Getafe erupted into a tempest of emotions, leaving in its wake a flurry of violations on the pitch.
With cards handed out in abundance, Xavi and Raphinha were the two individuals to fall victim to the referee’s authority as they were sent off.
Now, according to SPORT, Gavi, a player who left an incredible mark in the past season, is expected to be relied upon in the upcoming encounter to make up for Raphinha’s absence.
Having played the previous match off the bench, the Spaniard is believed to start from the beginning and be positioned on the left wing, inverting centrally as the fourth midfielder.
Gavi played this position often for Barça last season and had some admirable performances, particularly against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
His intensity and nimble feet have mostly proven to provide positive results for Xavi, although he is more akin to a central midfielder.
At the same time, Xavi is also considering the possibility of fielding only three midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation, which will place Gavi in a more comfortable setting.
Gavi missed most of the pre-season due to physical issues, but the coach places great faith in him and understands his importance to the team, even after the arrival of Ilkay Gundogan, who raises the competition significantly.
