Barcelona vs Cadiz: BAR vs CAD – Barcelona will play this season’s first home game against Cadiz. It will also be their first home game since Camp Nou closed down for renovation. La Blaugrana’s home game record last season was immaculate. However, their squad has gone through a lot of changes in the summer and some of the key members have left. It is bound to have some impact on the team which showed in their opening game. They ended their first La Liga game of the season in a goalless draw against Getafe.
Barcelona ended last season as the La Liga champions, 10 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid. They also won the Spanish Super Cup. They reached the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey as well but were defeated by Real Madrid who eventually won the trophy. Their performance in the Champions League was awful and were knocked out of the group stage. They were also knocked out of the Europe League’s play-off round. Their only salvation was winning the domestic league after 4 years.
Barcelona’s most incredible was their home game run. They collected 48 points from 19 league games in front of the home crowd. In fact, they secured the league title with 4 games to spare. Till their league win, they lost only 3 matches throughout the tournament. Hence, they had an impeccable record. However, following the end of the season, veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets left the club on free transfers. Ousmane Dembele also left to join PSG a few days ago. Although, they are bringing in reinforcements.
However, none of them can fill the gap in the final third. Their most significant arrival this summer has been last season’s Man City captain and treble-winner, Ilkay Gundogan. They have further bolstered their midfield by bringing back Oriol Romeu. Their new arrival in defense has been Inigo Martinez who is yet to start a match due to his foot injury. Gundogan and Romeu have adapted to life at their new club, but Barcelona are surely missing the necessary strength in attack.
While Robert Lewandowski is a prolific striker, he is still a box striker. Hence, he will need some good backing to be able to give his best in front of the goalpost. Barcelona are missing that and it could cost them this season. They ended their opening match in a goalless draw against Getafe. Both teams received a red card each and unfortunately for Barcelona, their forward Raphinha had to walk off the field. Hence, he will continue to serve his suspension during this match.
In Raphinha’s absence, Abde Ezzalzouli could be called up to start in the final third. Lewandowski and Gavi could be lined up alongside Ezzalzouli. Other than Raphinha, La Blaugrana will also be without the services of Ronald Araujo and new arrival Inigo Martinez. Martinez is recovering from his foot injury while Araujo’s recovery from his thigh issue could take him a month’s time. Andreas Christensen was taken off after the half time break to switch to a more attacking setup. However, he could start in this match again.
Barcelona Predicted XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan; Ezzalzouli, Lewandowski, Gavi
