With Real Madrid’s late victory against Osasuna on Saturday evening, Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga is down to five points.
Xavi Hernandez’s side can reclaim their eight point lead with victory over Cadiz at the Camp Nou in Sunday’s late game, and with Thursday’s second leg against Manchester United in mind, changes are expected.
Marca have Barcelona making six changes, with Sergi Roberto, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres all set to start. The latter duo will have the opportunity to show their value in a rare appearance from the off, with Pedri injured and Raphinha rested.
Sport expect a similar line-up, but with Marcos Alonso retaining his place after his goal against Man Utd in the first leg, with Christensen instead on the bench. Sergio Busquets is expected to be on the bench, having just returned from an ankle injury,
Cadiz shocked Barcelona last season at the Camp Nou, winning 1-0 courtesy of a Lucas Perez goal. The veteran striker is no long at the club, having left in January to join Deportivo La Coruna, but January signed Gonzalo Escalante has two in his last two games, and will hope to make it three on Sunday.
All signs point towards this being a comfortable victory, with several fringe players being given the opportunity to impress. However, Barcelona should be well aware of the threat that Cadiz can pose, with the Andalusian club looking for back-to-back Camp Nou wins.
