Buzz takes an in-depth look at how Barcelona could line up for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade.
Barcelona are set to be without six players for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia.
The Catalan giants are without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal (both knee) for the rest of the season, while Wednesday’s match will come too soon for injured quartet Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres (both hamstring), Eric Garcia (muscle) and Andreas Christensen (Achilles).
In the absence of Ter Stegen, Overlap Pena is set to continue between the sticks, with new signing Wojciech Szczesny still awaiting to make his debut for the club, while Hansi Flick will consider recalling Jules Kounde at right-back at the expense of Hector Fort.
The rest of Flick’s back four is set to remain intact, with 17-year-old sensation Pau Cubarsi set to continue his partnership at the heart of defence next to Inigo Martinezas Alejandro Balde operates at left-back.
Dani Olmo marked his return to the starting lineup in a 3-1 La Liga win over Espanyol last weekend with two goals, and the Spaniard is in line to retain his place in the number 10 role, while Frenkie de Jong and Gavi will be hoping to force their way back into midfield ahead of Marc Casado and Pedro.
Raphinha was also on target against Espanyol and has now contributed to 20 goals (11 goals, nine assists) in 15 games under Flick. The Brazilian winger – who scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Bayern Munich on matchday three – is expected to start in attack next to Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Punishment; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
No Data Analysis info
Comments are closed.