When Barcelona plays Athletic Club this evening, they will have a great chance to close the gap at the top.

Since Real Madrid’s game against Valencia last night was a mess, Barcelona will have the chance to close the gap to just six points between themselves and their foes.

The Catalans are already in good shape, and their win over Getafe was another big step forward.

It might be much harder to get through the Athletic Club security, though. As Barcelona gets ready for this game, let’s take a look at how Xavi Hernandez might set up his starting eleven.

It looks like starter Marc-Andre ter Stegen will keep his spot between the posts. The German will be trying to keep a clean sheet for the second game in a row.

Xavi might make one change to the central defence of the defence team. Even though Ronald Araujo is set to start, Xavi could put Inigo Martinez in the starting eleven.

The centre-back has played a lot of games and knows how Bilbao attacks. He could be a good addition to Barça’s four-man defence.

In other parts of the defence, Joao Cancelo and Jules Kounde will keep their fullback spots.

Andreas Christensen has done a great job as a substitute defensive midfielder since moving into the middle of the pitch.

The Danish international can stay in the same place, connecting the midfield with Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong, who play in the next two positions.

Pedri may still be used by Xavi as a fake left winger in the attacking unit. The young player recently talked about playing in this spot and said that he likes having more freedom to make plays in the final third.

The speed of the explosive Lamine Yamal will go well with Pedri’s skill and ability. The two young players from Barcelona will be in charge of opening up the Athletic Club defence.

Robert Lewandowski will be in charge of the front line for Barcelona. Recently, the Pole has been in amazing shape. He won the award for February Player of the Month.

Lewandowski, on the other hand, needs to be careful because he is one of four Barcelona players who could be suspended because they have four yellow cards this season.

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There will be enough help for Xavi on the bench. In the creative area, Raphinha, Joao Felix, and Fermin Lopez are all possible replacements. Vitor Roque is another choice for the ninth spot.

In the middle of the field, Oriol Romeu and Sergi Roberto should bring a lot of experience. Roberto can even play as a defender.

When talking about the defence, Xavi can use Pau Cubarsi instead of any of the centre defenders and Hector Fort instead of Kounde at right back.