Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United, Xavi Hernandez has three significant issues to resolve....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The Europa League playoff between the Blaugrana and the Mancunians is tied at 2-2 following an exciting draw in the opening leg at Camp Nou.
The first 30 minutes of the match may be considered to be fairly even, but from the hour mark onward, United choked Barcelona with their high-pace pressing and ferocity.
Barcelona scored unexpectedly via an header from Marcos Alonso, but the Manchester based outfit reliped with two quickfire goals from Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Jules Kounde.
Before Raphinha saved the blushes of the home side with a late leveller.
Xavi has three problems to resolve before Thursday’s match if he wants the Catalans to move on to the round of 16 after receiving criticism for tweaking his team for the first encounter.
How will Rashford be handled?
For the first leg, Xavi puzzlingly benched Andreas Christensen in favor of Alonso. This occurred despite the fact that the Denmark international has been crucial part of a defense that has held opponents to seven goals or fewer in 22 La Liga games, giving Barcelona an eight-point lead in the league.
Ronald Araujo was positioned at right back to keep Rashford at bay, but Ten Hag outsmarted Xavi by positioning a player who is perhaps the best in form striker in Europe in a number 9 role.
Who operates at Left Back
Xavi chose Jordi Alba at Camp Nou, but Alejandro Balde has been a close second the whole season.
Alba’s crosses into the box is unmatched, even though the La Masia graduate boasts greater speed.
In this case, the Spanish tactician must make a crucial decision.
A 4-3-3 formation or four midfielders?
Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie can start in a formation with four midfielders due to Pedri’s injury and Gavi suspension which will see him miss the second leg.
It is hard to identify the inventive false left winger in this formation because twin pivots Frenkie de Jong and a Sergio Busquets who is recovering from his own injury are also likely to be selected.
