FC Barcelona vs. Espanyol PreMatch Xavi‘s FIRST Match as Manager, Pedri Back Healthy! 3-4-3/4-2-3-1?

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the upcoming game against Espanyol at the Camp Nou, which will be Xavi's first match as manager of FC Barcelona in La Liga. We discuss which lineup Xavi will start, while wondering how we will see Pedri and Gavi play together as Pedri is finally fit.

At Al Sadd, Xavi often played a 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1. At Barca, of course the 4-3-3 is a popular line up. Considering the players we have injured on the front line, including Dembele, Fati, Braithwaite, Aguero, it will be very interesting who Xavi plays with Depay up front. Of course, with Xavi's meritocracy comments, we will see if players like Coutinho and Luuk De Jong get chances to prove themselves with their new coach.

In the midfield, the big news is that Pedri is back. In addition, with Xavi often playing a 4-2-3-1, we are excited to see a Busquets-Frenkie De Jong double pivot utilized. We are looking for Xavi to get the best out of Frenkie specifically, as rumors of the club shopping around Frenkie seem shortsighted. With such high hopes for Frenkie, we believe Xavi will be the manager to utilize him best.

In defense, we also contemplate whether Pique will start, considering he has had a slow start to the season. As Umtiti was mentioned as impressing Xavi in practice according to media reports, that leaves us with Eric Garcia, Lengelet, Pique, Araujo as options for centerback. If we do a 3-4-3, it should be noted that Mingueza did well in that 3 centerback formation last season under Koeman.

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