Xavi will take charge of his first away fixture as Barcelona boss as his side travel to face Villarreal in La Liga.
His impact was immediate last weekend as Barca halted a four-game domestic winless run to down rivals Espanyol through a Memphis Depay spot-kick.
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They were held at home by Benfica in the Champions League in midweek, but they will fancy their chances against a Villarreal side currently languishing below mid-table under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
When is kick off? Saturday 27 November, 20:00 (GMT)
Where is the match being played? Estadio de la Ceramica
TV channel/live stream? La Liga TV (UK), ESPN+ (US), TSN (Canada)
Highlights? La Liga YouTube channel
Referee? Cesar Soto Grado
VAR? Jose Luis Munuera Montero
Unai Emery has a full squad to choose from, with the exception of talisman Gerard Moreno who is expected to miss out with a hamstring injury.
The Spain international has been a significant loss for Villarreal in recent weeks, with Emery forced to turn to the makeshift strike pairing of Arnaut Danjuma and Yeremi Pino.
The injury situation is more critical for Xavi, with Ronald Araujo’s involvement the latest to be thrown into doubt after he was forced off with a hamstring issue in midweek.
Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto will not feature for Barcelona, while Pedri will remain sidelined for the next few weeks after suffering a setback in his recovery. Martin Braithwaite has also been ruled out.
Villarreal (4-4-2): Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan; Trigueros, Capoue, Parejo, Gomez; Pino, Danjuma.
Barcelona (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, de Jong, Nico; Dembele, Depay, Gavi.
Barca haven’t lost to Villarreal in quite a while, winning 18 out of their 22 meetings since 2010.
The Catalan club also won on their previous visit to the Estadio de la Ceramica in April, although the scorer of both goals in a 2-1 victory is now back plying his trade with Atletico Madrid (Antoine Griezmann).
This will be a considerable test of Xavi’s credentials, with Barcelona likely to monopolise possession against a dogged defensive unit.
Dembele’s return sparked Barca into life in midweek against Benfica and the former Borussia Dortmund man could prove the difference this weekend if he’s given the nod.
Expect Barcelona to edge a low-scoring contest.
Prediction: Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona
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