Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, kicked off their 2023-24 campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Getafe. The club faced challenges in the transfer market, losing key players like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Additionally, Ousmane Dembele's departure to Paris Saint-Germain has left them short in attack. As a result, the pressure is on to secure a victory in their upcoming match against Cadiz.
Match Preview
Barcelona will host Cadiz at Camp Nou on Sunday evening. Despite their impressive title win last season, Barcelona started this season with a lackluster performance against Getafe. Questions loom over their ability to defend the title given the challenging transfer window.
Mixed Recent Record Against Cadiz
Barcelona has had a mixed record against Cadiz in recent seasons, with only two wins in their last six encounters. However, their home form at Camp Nou was impressive in the 2022-23 season, earning 48 points from 19 league matches.
Cadiz's Ambitions
Cadiz started their season with a 1-0 victory over Alaves and aims to build on their 14th-place finish in the previous season. The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in players like Gonzalo Escalante and Sergi Guardiola. Their performance on the road will be crucial this season after managing only 15 points from away games last year.
Team News
Barcelona will be without Ronald Araujo for a month due to injury, and Inigo Martinez is still recovering. Sergi Roberto and Abde Ezzalzouli are expected to step in, with Raphinha suspended. Andreas Christensen is fit despite a previous injury concern.
Cadiz will miss the suspended Escalante and have injury concerns for players like Brian Ocampo, Guardiola, and Victor Chust.
Both teams are eager for points, making this La Liga clash highly anticipated.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan; Ezzalzouli, Lewandowski, Gavi
Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Ledesma; Carcelen, Fali, L Hernandez, J Hernandez; Alejo, Emeterio, Alcaraz, Machis; Ramos, Roger