Xavi Hernandez will make some changes as key Barcelona players are missing, including Pedri and Ronald Araujo, but Gavi is back.
With the La Liga title wrapped up, Xavi Hernandez would want his team to finish the season strongly and perform well in the three remaining games. Barcelona were crowned champions with four games to spare and immediately lost their clash against Real Sociedad.
However, Xavi would like to return to winning ways and show why his Barcelona side are the best away team in the division. During his pre-match press conference, he discussed how winning against Real Valladolid is important while touching upon the Vinicius Junior racism incident.
On the Real Madrid star, Xavi said, “Vinicius? Unfortunately. There are still cases of racism, and it’s unfortunate. Any act of racism, like the one we saw towards Vinícius, must be condemned.”
“Before being a Real Madrid player, Vinicius is a human. You have to defend him, and I use my position as the Barça coach to defend him.” Meanwhile, on the Valladolid game, he said, “We want to beat Valladolid. No doubts.”
Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
As for the team news, Jules Kounde was absent from the squad to face Valladolid, to which Xavi justified resting the defender. He said, “Kounde played a lot of minutes. There is a time when the body tells you enough is enough. He has just some muscle discomfort.”
Meanwhile, Xavi also confirmed Pablo Torre would start the Valladolid clash. Moreover, there could be a few changes to the lineup, although the manager would want to set out a team capable of winning rather than risking a defeat.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will continue in goal and look to improve his record in goal towards winning the Zamora. He has kept an incredible 25 clean sheets in La Liga alone and conceded a mere 15 goals all season.
The back four will consist of Alejandro Balde at right-back, with Jordi Alba featuring on the left flank. The absences of Ronald Araujo and Kounde will allow Xavi to select Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen in central defence.
Sergio Busquets will sit at the base of midfield, with Gavi on the right-hand side. With Pedri out of action and Xavi confirming a starting spot for Torre, the young midfielder will take his spot on the left side of the veteran.
Ousmane Dembele aims to start in consecutive games and will take his place on the left side of the front three. Raphinha will feature on the right flank, with Robert Lewandowski leading the pack in the No.9 role.
Predicted Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Garcia, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Torre; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele
