La Liga | Round 26: FC Barcelona - Athletic Bilbao 4-0

[serghei]

No way Xavi is benching Gavi two games in a row. Will probably start at LW.

I'd go with resting Pedri.

 

[Birdy]

Good news:
[MENTION=21238]barca[/MENTION]_Buzz��| The Williams brothers, I?aki and Nico, could start on the bench tonight. Marcelino could reserve them for the Copa del Rey semi-final 2nd leg vs Valencia on Wednesday.

• Muniain's participation is also uncertain, while Berenguer is suspended.

 

[Birdy]

What's it with you and 3ATB?

All our last games since the 4-2 against Atletico, started with nominally 4 at the back, which during buildup almost always became 3 at the back.
Would be no different to start with 3 atb, some modifications in the defensive phase only needed, with Adama tucking as RB if required

 

[Andresito]

I'd go with resting Pedri.

Was benched v Valencia though

 

[mc_lovin]

All our last games since the 4-2 against Atletico, started with nominally 4 at the back, which during buildup almost always became 3 at the back.
Would be no different to start with 3 atb, some modifications in the defensive phase only needed, with Adama tucking as RB if required

There's a difference whether someone from midfield falls back or starting 3 actual CB's. It's far from the same. The latter is more rigid (CB's are less mobile usually), it's harder to transition to 4 banks of four in the defensive phase with the odd man out and the role of the wingbacks is ill-defined. It causes all kinds of positional chaos.

You proposed 351 looks rough offensively as well

 

[Birdy]

There's a difference whether someone from midfield falls back or starting 3 actual CB's. It's far from the same. The latter is more rigid (CB's are less mobile usually), it's harder to transition to 4 banks of four in the defensive phase with the odd man out and the role of the wingbacks is ill-defined. It causes all kinds of positional chaos.

You proposed 351 looks rough offensively as well

I think it works well against 2 attackers and we have seen it earlier under Xavi in games vs Osasuna, Elche, Benfica
We might see it soon

Even if we start with 4-3-3 tonight, I expect at least Ferran to stay on the bench and Adama Dembele to play on the flanks

 

[Devils]

 

[soul24rage]

Let's win!

 

[mc_lovin]

I like that Xavi doesn't shy away from a Gavi-Pedri pairing, but Frenkie would have been nice.

 

[fergus90]

Very surprised De Jong was rested after his great performance on Thursday to be fair.

 

[Porque]

Closest Riqui Puig will get to start is that awful player model of Pedri.

 

[evilhita666]

Is Alba injured or something? Not that I will miss his rat face, just wondering...

EDIT: He's suspended.

 

[serghei]

Very surprised De Jong was rested after his great performance on Thursday to be fair.

Maybe not that surprising considering how much he runs in a game and that he started vs Valencia as well as Napoli.

 

[Birdy]

Ferran STARTS AGAIN?

WTF is this SHIT?

 

[JerseyAddict]

Hope Xavi has a plan...