FC Barcelona vs Cadiz CF – 19/02/2023
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Barcelona are on a six-game winning streak in La Liga ahead of their matchday 22 encounter with Cadiz. The Blaugrana lead La Liga by eight points over second-place Real Madrid. Xavi is on the right path to deliver a La Liga title to the Catalan club this season.
Cadiz are trying to avoid relegation to the Segunda. The Yellow Submarine are 16th in the standings ahead of their trip to Camp Nou. Two points separate Cadiz from 18th-place Valencia. Cadiz’s form has improved lately, as they are unbeaten in four of their last six La Liga matches.
NEXT GAME
⚽ #BarçaCádiz
?️ Spotify Camp Nou
? Sunday, February 19
⌚ 9pm CET
? Matchday 22 of La Liga
?? #ForçaBarça— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2023
Barcelona are atop the La Liga form table with 18 points from the last six games. They scored nine goals and conceded just one time in the last six matches. No team has allowed fewer goals than Barcelona this season with seven in La Liga.
The Blaugrana are coming off a Thursday Europa League playoff match with Manchester United at Camp Nou. The game finished 2-2 as Raphinha’s 76th-minute goal pulled Barcelona level on the night. The teams will face off in the second leg next Thursday at Old Trafford.
An argument can be made that Barcelona are cruising through La Liga but are not up to the same level as other top teams in European competition. Barcelona’s record in the Champions League group stage is a testament to their poor state outside of Spain.
Cadiz picked up 10 points from the last 18 points on offer in La Liga. They outscored their last six opponents 7-6. Cadiz scored the third-fewest goals in La Liga this season with only 17. Barcelona’s defence should have its way with the Yellow Submarine’s poor attack this weekend.
Surprisingly, Cadiz went to Camp Nou last season and won 1-0. It was a shocking result, but Cadiz have won two of their last six matches versus Barcelona. The Yellow Submarine have a record of 2W-2D-2L versus Barcelona in those six games.
Xavi will be without defender Ronald Araujo due to a suspension. Sergio Busquets is also missing, so expected Frenkie De Jong, Franck Kessie, and Gavi to play together. Forward Ousmane Dembele is also out of action due to an injury.
Eight players could miss the game for Cadiz due to injuries and suspension, including Alfonso Espino, Alvaro Negredo, Jose Mari, and Victor Chust.
Barcelona should ease to victory over Cadiz on Sunday. The Blaugrana won 4-0 the last time these teams played and completely controlled the game. A 2-0 home win will see Barcelona keep their lead at the top of the table.
