That's not how Barca captaincy works. Mascherano doesn't have seniority. Doesn't mean he can't be a leader on the field.
Once Xavi leaves, Pique/Pedro/Masch will be the next captain.
Imagine if Pedro becomes captain
at Mathieu instead of Mascherano. Mascherano should be team captain.
I also think that this match will show the world that Mascherano is a must in the midfield instead of Busi.
Masche can't play every game and Mathieu's performance against Athletic in the first round was pretty damn amazing.
This should be seen as an agreeable lineup. We haven't seen Xavi relied on too much as of late so there are questions there, but I doubt Barca will struggle given the momentum they're on.
Can we let Rakitic have freedom going forward? or is xavi just too slow to get back and defend when they hit us on the counter?
Midfield is fucked,specially with xavi starting.