Copa del Rey 2022-23: AD Ceuta vs Barcelona: Predicted lineup, injury news, head to head

The Blaugrana returns to action after winning the Spanish Super Cup as they take on the third-tier side in the Copa del Rey

 AD Ceuta are establishing a reputation by defeating likes of Utrera and Ibiza, as well as top-tier team Elche, to advance to the round of 16. Barcelona shouldn't be complacent when playing against the third-tier team because they are hoping to cause an upset.

Barcelona will be in a pleasant spirit after winning the first trophy under manager Xavi and will seek to build on that success. And shift their focus to the Copa del Rey. They are currently in first place in LaLiga and evolving into a quality team, but the round of 16 of Copa del Rey will present them with a difficult obstacle to overcome.

Kick-off time:

Thursday, 19 January, 7 pm (GMT)Friday, 20 January, 12:30 am (IST)

AD Ceuta form (all competition): L-W-W-L-D

Barcelona form (all competition): W-D-W-W-W

Players to watch

AD Ceuta

Rodri

Rodri has scored in each of the last three games and continues to be a threat to the opposing squad. Despite the club's lack of a front goal, Rodri has occasionally stepped up and used his propensity for scoring goals to propel the squad to victory.

Barcelona

Pablo Torre

Should Xavi give Pablo Torre more playing time in the league? Torre proved to be another outstanding player, similar to Pedri and Gavi, with his outstanding performance against Intercity FC. Barcelona would love to have his close ball control and first touch during games.

Injury and team news

There are no confirmed injuries for Ceuta, thus they should use the same starting lineup from their 2-2 draw with Real Castilla.

Even Xavi doesn't have to worry about injuries, so he may rest his regular starter and give other players a chance.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 2

AD Ceuta: 0

Draws: 0

Barcelona: 2

Also Read: Where and how to watch Spanish Copa del Rey 2022-23 in India?

Predicted lineup

AD Ceuta predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Montagud; Garcia, Lafarge, Gutierrez, Macias; Reina, Lopez; Gonzalez, Cuevas, Redondo; Rodri

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Pena; Bellerin, Garcia, Christensen, Alba; Roberto, Kessie, Torre; Raphinha, Torres, Fati

Prediction

This will not be a simple match, but Barcelona should not be overconfident and should take this match seriously after nearly being eliminated from the competition against Intercity FC. It will be extremely difficult to upset a team that just defeated Real Madrid while also fighting its way out of the Spanish League's third-tier relegation zone.

Prediction: AD Ceuta 0-3 Barcelona