Copa del Rey 1/4 final: Athletic Club - Barca 4-2

[JohnN]

An injury like Gavi's can't be predicted.
we have romeu who is unusable against any semi decent opponent and sergi who is serviceable sometimes. the gap in quality is huge but we need to rotate when we can. Bring in some more teenagers, then seem good enough for our current level.

 

[KingLeo10]

Go all in for Copa

Fixed that for you.

We're going to be lucky not to get destroyed in CL.

 

[Andresito]

Surely Pedri and hopefully Christensen will be the ones to provide rotations to Gundo and Frenkie. The pair are the most important part of our midfield and it's important one of them start every game. With Cancelo back we get some added creativity that can unburden them.

Could do options like:
Christensen
X, Pedri

Pedri, X
Fermin/SR

X being one of Frenkie or Gundo.

But not v Athletic. Full force in Copa from now on. Sooner or later will have to rotate in defence too. With Chris and Cancelo back the depth is good. Xavi just needs to find that balance of rotations/good XI which has been horrendous so far.

 

[JohnN]

This game is crucial. We made some progress with Betis, still having bad defensive moments. We need to prove we can also bring that level and better against better teams. if we manage this, it could be a turning point for the team just before CL games. Failing against Bilbao will in my opinion be the moment that finalises Xavi's exit in the summer.
He still has a chance to do better with this team. we are not world beaters with any coach currently but must perform better than we are now.

 

[Loki]

Today is the real test, Betis wasn't because Barca likes to play against their style. The 5-0 against them in first half of the season also didn't mean anything. Xavi won't rotate today, as CdR is the most realistic title this season, especially after the Madrid-Almeria game. LaLiga wants Madrid to win this year, nothing we can do about it.
And in the CL awaits another humiliation against a decent team, so full focus on Copa.
Pretty sure Xavi's future will depend on this title. If he fails to win at least CdR, he is gone in the summer.

 

[Porque]

I would love to see Pau and Lamine get another shot against a way tougher rival who will play with way more intensity than Betis did.

I'm guessing both find their way to the bench for Christensen and Felix, but get to start at the weekend versus Villarreal.

 

[Andresito]

Would be surprised if Yamal was on the bench after the performance he had vs Betis. Think XI will mostly be the same with Cubarsi out for one of Chris/Cancelo.

 

[Fati_Future_BallonDor]

Would be surprised if Yamal was on the bench after the performance he had vs Betis. Think XI will mostly be the same with Cubarsi out for one of Chris/Cancelo.

Yamal on the bench?? why Sito?

 

[JerseyAddict]

I hope it will be worth watching. Playstyle wise...

 

[Porque]

Mallorca giving Girona a first half pummeling.

That penalty call was diarrhea though. Spanish refs have lost it.

 

[Devils]

Where is Vitor Roque???

 

[Loki]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1750240347278459301

 

[Loki]

Would be surprised if Yamal was on the bench after the performance he had vs Betis. Think XI will mostly be the same with Cubarsi out for one of Chris/Cancelo.

Yep, Christensen for Cubarsi, rest same.

 

[Barcaman]

Same lineup as 3 days ago minus Cubarsi. Xavi will run the team into ground but he doesn't care as he is fighting for his own life.

Fully expect another injury of Pedri and Frankie early this spring. But then Xavi also gets more excuses why he failed.

 

[Loki]

Fully expect another injury of Pedri and Frankie early this spring. But then Xavi also gets more excuses why he failed.

Xavi is all-in. He can't take any consideration for possible injuries because CdR is his last chance for a title this season. Without a title he is gone, if barca suddenly doesn't perform like City in the CL.