Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele have been in scorching form, and the Catalan frontline has been operating at full capacity.
At the same time, the defense appears to be much more assured than in recent seasons, and the midfield is dripping with talent.
Barcelona will play in La Liga again on Saturday night after putting on a flamboyant performance in their UEFA Champions League debut. This season, the team has had a dream run, and they could not be in a better frame of mind.
The following game is scheduled to take place at the Ramon de Carranza against Cadiz. All four of their games this season have ended in losses for Sergio's team, who have also given up ten goals. They have yet to score a goal and are the only team in La Liga this season with 0 points.
But that only makes them more dreadful for Barcelona. In four attempts over the previous two seasons, the Catalans failed to win a single match against them. Due to their slow start, Cadiz will now exert extra effort to earn one or two points.
Barcelona are, still, the overwhelming favourites, but they have their own set of worries heading into tomorrow’s clash. Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs. Cadiz.
Fullback debut night
Xavi Hernandez opted to change up the fullbacks against Viktoria Plzen and deployed Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba in place of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde. Yet, Barcelona could see a third, completely new, fullback duo against Cadiz tomorrow.
The Blaugrana were busy on the deadline day of the transfer market, signing both Hector Bellerin and Marcos Alonso on free transfers. The duo had their contracts with Arsenal and Chelsea terminated by mutual consent before committing their future to Barcelona.
Despite training with the group, they did not make their debuts against Sevilla or Viktoria Plzen. This Saturday could finally be the day they wear the garnet-and-blue for the first time.
Alonso has good chances of starting at left-back, especially given that Alba played the full game against Plzen. Balde and Alba are no easy competition, and the Spanish international will have to prove his worth to the manager to have any chance of playing regularly this season.
The situation with Hector Bellerin is different. While Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde have played at right-back this term, it is clear that Xavi does not see either player in that position in the long run.
A much-needed break for Pedri
At just 19-years-of age, Pedri is already one of the most influential midfielders in world football. The youngster is the heart and soul of Barcelona’s midfield and quite comfortably amongst the best in the world.
The Canary Islander has started every game under Xavi this season and has clocked close to 400 minutes in less than a month. While the likes of Sergio Busquets and Gavi have got their deserved share of rest, the Golden Boy winner is the one player who has not received such a favour.
A tough game lies ahead against Bayern Munich, and Pedri’s genius will be required for every minute of that ordeal. The fixture against Cadiz, it appears, would be the ideal opportunity to give him some breathing space.
Sergio Busquets and Gavi will start in midfield at Estadio Ramon de Carranza. The third place could be taken by either Frenkie de Jong or Frank Kessie, who showcased their unique profiles against Viktoria.
The calm before the storm
On Tuesday night, Xavi’s men take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. The prospect of facing the Bundesliga champions surely doesn’t bring out the fondest of memories, but it is clear that the clash is more evenly balanced this season.
Barcelona lost all three of its encounters with Bayern in the previous two seasons. The first defeat was the most painful and bore the famous score line of 8-2. Last season, they lost both games by a 3-0 margin.
The Catalans look mightily stronger in this campaign after a phenomenal transfer window and will look to avenge their recent defeats. The clash between the European giants will be a blockbuster clash, and the game against Cadiz is the calm before the storm.
The first consideration ahead of the game at Ramon de Carranza is the momentum. The Azulgranas have been scoring goals freely this season and will look to keep that going while also ensuring that their unbeaten streak is not disturbed. A loss against Cadiz could have repercussions on Tuesday.
Moreover, Xavi will have to tread a tightrope tomorrow. Rotation will be essential to keep his resources fresh, yet too much rotation would hamper the rhythm of the team. Needless to say, all decisions on the night will be made keeping the game in Bavaria in mind.
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