What is the possible Barcelona starting lineup for the Clásico match in Las Vegas?

If getting the eleven right during a season is very difficult, doing it in the preseason, when the coaches try to test and look at possible alternatives, seems almost impossible. In fact, with the current squad that Xavi Hernández has, it is very difficult to discern which eleven he will present this Saturday in Las Vegas against Real Madrid. The only guaranteed piece on the board will be under the sticks: Marc André Ter Stegen. For yet another season, the German goalkeeper is the indisputable man for the job, so much so in fact that the club is looking for some way out for Neto, with the intention to give more playing time to Iñaki Peña.

Moving forward from here, though, Xavi’s alternatives begin to multiply exponentially. Watching the game against Inter Miami, where the team gave a masterful lesson in efficiency and ball control, tonight’s defense could be made up of Dest, Araújo, Eric and Alba. In theory, Piqué will not arrive in time for the Clasico, while Christensen will surely get some playing time. In the midfield, the combination possibilities have increased with the arrival of Kessié. In fact, the Ivorian could accompany Sergio Busquets and Pedri in the lineup, while Gavi and Nico would start on the bench.

And when it comes to the attacking game, all combinations are lethal, especially looking beyond Poland’s Robert Lewandowski. Xavi is going to give him his first playing time this preseason, but it seems difficult for him to be a starter, since he hasn’t been a member of the group for very long. Likewise, Raphinha’s excellent performance on the right side against Inter opens the door for him to repeat his starting role, meaning the attacking trio against Real Madrid might be made up of Raphinha, Aubameyang and Fati. Lewandowski and Dembélé would start on the bench, as well as Ferran Torres, who hopes to be cleared to play in the hours before the match and get his first playing time of this season.