FC Barcelona will be travelling away to take on Athletic Club in La Liga next. The Catalan giants, still currently leading La Liga, will need to ensure a win here in order to increase their lead at the top of the table.
However, this stadium and this opponent hardly ever make things easy for La Blaugrana. Fortunately, Flick should have enough quality at his disposal to make a victory seem possible.
Here is how Barcelona could line up for this game.
Predicted Barcelona Line-up vs Athletic Club:
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
The Spanish goalkeeper kept a clean sheet against Atletico Madrid in the previous game, and he will be looking to repeat that kind of performance in this game as well.
Right-back: Eric Garcia
Suspended in the previous game against Atletico Madrid, Eric Garcia should now be back and is available for selection. The Spaniard’s intensity and duel-winning ability could both be quite useful in this game as a right-back, as Jules Kounde is sidelined.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
Always composed and clever with the ball at his feet, Pau Cubarsi is crucial to Hansi Flick’s game plan. Having him start could prove to be an effective strategy in this match.
Centre-back: Gerard Martin
Having proven himself to be a reliable partner in defense for Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin might start in this game as well. He is reliable whenever he tries to win duels, and his understanding of the team’s structure is solid as well.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
Having proven himself recently, Joao Cancelo has showcased his worth to the team quite well in the past few games. Heading into this match, he will be hoping to do that again.
CDM: Marc Bernal
Sensational in his last appearance against Atletico Madrid, Marc Bernal will be looking to continue his good form heading into this game. It is a good thing that Barça can count on him against top opponents.
CDM: Dani Olmo
While it is true that Pedri could end up starting this game, it seems as if Flick wants to be a bit more careful with the young Spaniard. Fortunately, Dani Olmo has proven that he can be effective in a deeper role as well.
RAM: Lamine Yamal
The boy wonder continues to amaze with his silky skills on the ball, and he will look to deliver another top performance here if he starts. Barcelona continues to rely heavily on him, however.
CAM: Fermin Lopez
Always a threat to the opposition’s goal, Fermin Lopez can end up hurting the other team out of nowhere. Hansi Flick will likely want to make use of him for that exact reason in this game as well.
LAM: Marcus Rashford
Despite not getting a lot of minutes recently, this game could be a good opportunity for Hansi Flick to start the English forward. His pace and strength could prove to be key factors in this match.
Centre-forward: Ferran Torres
Woeful in his last game, Ferran Torres really needs to make himself useful again. With Robert Lewandowski now back as well, his poor performances will not go unpunished in terms of getting consistently selected.
