FC Barcelona are set to kick off their game against Slavia Prague soon in the UEFA Champions League. A crucial encounter, it could determine whether Barça can secure a top-eight finish in the competition’s League phase.
To ensure the best possible result, Hansi Flick was always going to field a strong starting eleven, and that is exactly what he has done. Here is the official starting line-up for FC Barcelona.
The starting goalkeeper is Joan Garcia, and he was the obvious choice. With Marc-Andre Ter Stegen having left for Girona and Wojciech Szczesny serving mainly as a backup option, the Spaniard was always expected to start this game.
In defence, the centre-back partnership of Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin will start together. Both players will have significant responsibility to help Barça produce a stronger defensive display than in recent matches.
On the flanks, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde start on the left and right, respectively. Both the Spaniard and the Frenchman have been underwhelming recently, but they will have a chance to improve here.
In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong form the team’s double pivot. Both players are technically reliable and will need to perform at their best.
Up front, Raphinha and Roony Bardghji start as wide forwards, with Fermin Lopez playing in between them. All three will need to be sharp and clinical, especially in the absence of Lamine Yamal.
Leading the attack, Robert Lewandowski starts as centre-forward. He has a proven record of finding the back of the net in the UEFA Champions League, and Hansi Flick will be counting on him to do so again.
