Gavi on the left as a false winger, Xavi's non-experimental Clasico plan
The youngster will operate in that role as part of a 4-3-3 aka 3-4-3
Xavi Hernández will not be experimenting tonight against Real Madrid. The Barça coach, aware of the importance of the game, will go out to compete with his usual 4-3-3 formation, although he will use Gavi as a false winger on the left to give greater solidity to the midfield. In this way, Balde will be in charge of giving width to the team on the left flank when he able to get forward.
In the last Clasico, in the Copa del Rey at the Bernabéu (0-1) on March 2, Barça presented the same slate, with Gavi in that double role of swinging towards the centre in the creation and dropping down the flank when pressing. The home-grown player is an essential player for Xavi due to his associative capacity and competitiveness. In addition, the coach always highlights his speed in his decision-making and his precision in passing: "It excites us all when you see him compete like that. Gavi gives character and infects the team. Don't let him slow down, he has no ceiling."
Barring any last minute surprises, the leaders will start with their expected team: Ter Stegen in goal, Araujo on the right to stop the Brazilian winger Vinicius and Balde on the left, with the task of lengthening the team on that flank with Valverde in front of him. The centre-back pairing will be Kounde and Christensen.
In the wide area, the captain Busquets will be shielded by De Jong, in a great moment of form, and Kessie, who is outlined as Pedri's replacement. The Spaniard was not included in the list of called-up players because he is not feeling well after the injury he suffered against Manchester on February 16 (thigh).
Up front, in addition to Gavi to block Carvajal getting forward, Barça will start with the league's top scorer, Lewandowski (15 league goals), and Raphinha, scorer of the team's last two goals - which have been worth 6 points.
