After securing the Spanish Super Cup title in Riyadh, FC Barcelona travel to Ceuta, a city which politically belongs to Spain. But is geographically surrounded by Morocco to take on AD Ceuta in the Copa Del Rey Round of 16 Fixture. Here is the Match Preview of AD Ceuta vs FC Barcelona with Predicted Lineup & Squad List (Copa del Rey – RO16).
Table of contents
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Overview
AD Ceuta is a Spanish 3rd-tier team which plays in the same league as Barca Atletic, the home side is having a dismal season as they are at the bottom of the 3rd tier with 9 points fewer than any other team.
Barcelona faced another 3rd tier team, CF Intercity in the round of 32 fixture which FC Barcelona barely scraped through winning 4-3 after extra time.
This is the 3rd time this century that AD Ceuta has been drawn with Barça in cup competitions, most recently in 2010 when the Catalans won 7-2 on aggregate.
FC Barcelona enter this match in red-hot form after defeating Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the league and the cup respectively.
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“We have the experience of Intercity, who made things very difficult for us. We really need to make our superiority show.”
This is what Xavi said during the press conference yesterday, analysing his words it is evident that Xavi has taken this game seriously and the players won’t underestimate AD Ceuta.
“I remember the game there when I was a player. The trip there was difficult and it made me feel really sick. We won but it wasn’t easy. We’re going to need all five of our senses tomorrow.”
It will be a tricky venue and the match will be a tough one according to Xavi which is why FC Barcelona cannot repeat any mistakes that happened at the Intercity game.
Squad List
Xavi has decided to rest Ronaldo Araujo and Frenkie De Jong for today’s fixture while others make it into the squad list. La Masian star striker Angel Alarcon gets the nod from Xavi after he has seen training with the group earlier this week.
After a brilliant performance against CF Intercity Pablo Torre managed to secure his position in the squad list as well.
Match Report and Video Highlight of Intercity vs Barcelona
Memphis Depay has agreed to a 2.5-year deal with Atletico De Madrid and he is currently in Madrid, therefore he won’t travel with the squad.
Barcelona Latest thank him for his services to the club and wish him good luck for his future.
Predicted Lineup
Defense
Barcelona gaffer Xavi will look to rotate the starting lineup as there are more important games ahead in the season.
Therefore Hector Bellerin, Eric Garcia, Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba will start tonight’s game at the back while Inaki Pena will start between the sticks.
Midfield
Sergi Roberto might captain the side and will start alongside Pablo Torre and Frank Kessie.
Attack
Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Raphina are expected to start at the front. This would be a great opportunity for Ferran Torres to build up his confidence which he clearly lacks at the moment.
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Drop your Score Predictions in the comments section 🙂
