Xavi’s Predicted Line-Up Against Valencia: A Strong Formation to Dampen European Ambitions

Xavi Hernandez will make his debut in the Montjuic dugout since Barcelona’s season took a blow against Real Madrid and his decision to stay at the club next year was confirmed. Many will closely watch the fans’ response, but Valencia arrives in Catalonia with significant stakes.

With Real Betis extending their winless streak in the Seville derby, Valencia has the chance to surpass them with a victory and trail just one point behind Real Sociedad in 7th place. Meanwhile, Barcelona still aims to secure the second spot and qualification for the Spanish Supercup next season, requiring a win to move ahead of Girona, with a visit to Montilivi on the agenda next weekend.

In addition to the absences of Gavi and Alejandro Balde, it appears that Frenkie de Jong will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. According to Sport, Fermin Lopez is set to take de Jong’s place on Monday night, while Ferran Torres will be facing his former team instead of Raphinha, marking the only two changes from the previous Clasico match.

On the other hand, MD suggests that Pedri will step in for the Dutchman, with Raphinha retaining his spot in an otherwise unchanged lineup. Valencia will be missing their influential captain, Jose Gaya, on the left flank, along with Mouctar Diakhaby and Roman Yaremchuk.

Ruben Baraja appears inclined to insert Andre Almeida ahead of the midfield to bolster Los Che, maintaining the identical lineup from their previous two matches, where they drew with Osasuna and subsequently suffered a defeat against Betis last week.