Having returned with a 3-2 win over PSG from France earlier this week, Barcelona built on their momentum by defeating Cadiz 1-0 in La Liga last night.
On the coming Tuesday, Barcelona get set to host PSG in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
And the changes that Xavi made to the lineup against Cadiz last night gave an indication about the team that he plans to field against PSG next week.
Pedri’s time has come
As such, SPORT reports that Xavi might be ready to hand Pedri a start when Barcelona host PSG on Tuesday night.
The midfield prodigy made his return from injury only earlier this week, featuring as a substitute against the French champions. He was once again used off the bench last night against Cadiz.
Heading into Tuesday’s clash against PSG, Barcelona will be without both Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto, both of whom will miss the game due to suspension.
Ilkay Gundogan, who was rested last night, is a certain starter in midfield along with Frenkie de Jong. And the fact that Fermin Lopez played 80 minutes against Cadiz strongly indicates that it will be Pedri who starts against Luis Enrique’s men.
What about the rest of the team?
Ronald Araujo was given a rest by the manager and will be returning against PSG, to partner Pau Cubarsi.
Joao Cancelo and Jules Kounde would occupy the full-back positions, with the former returning after missing the Cadiz game due to suspension.
Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski would constitute the Barcelona frontline, replacing Ferran Torres, Vitor Roque, and Joao Felix, who was the Blaugrana’s match-winner on Saturday.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication
