Barcelona won the La Liga last season and despite an average summer transfer window, Xavi will be hoping his team can retain the league title as well as perform better in the Champions League.
Barcelona will begin their La Liga campaign on Sunday when they take on Getafe and the Camp Nou outfit will be eager to start their campaign with a commanding win.
A few years ago, Barca used to be one of the biggest senders in the transfer market but they have been going through a major financial crisis which is why Laporte and co are finding it really hard to sign big-name players.
This summer, they have been linked with a series of top talents but so far, the Spanish side have spent only €3.4 million in the market. They have brought in three new players out of which two are free agents. Thankfully, Xavi has been able to hold onto his important players so all is not lost for him.
Barcelona’s team news and absentees:
Inigo Martinez has joined Barca on a free transfer from Athletic Club but the defender is recovering from a foot injury and is likely to miss out on Sunday.
If Martinez is not available then Christensen and Araujo will pair up in central defence while Balde will play on the left. Sergi Roberto is the captain of the squad but we think Kounde will play as the right-back against Getafe.
Barcelona are one of the favourites to sign Joao Cancelo from City but even if they see this one through, the full-back will not arrive until the second matchweek.
Franck Kessie has joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli so he will not be in the matchday squad. Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan as a free agent from Manchester City so the German will come straight into the starting line up alongside De Jong and Pedri.
Barca are interested in signing Bernardo Silva but it’s highly unlikely that they will be able to land the Man City midfielder.
Last season, Xavi used a front three of Lewandowski, Gavi and Raphinha and since the club has not signed any new attackers, these three will start against Getafe at the weekend.
Barcelona predicted line up vs Getafe:
Predicted Starting XI(4-3-3): Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Balde/Roberto; Gundogan, De Jong, Pedri; Gavi, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
