Barcelona look for a fourth consecutive win in all competitions this weekend and will try to maintain their solid lead at the top of La Liga when they travel to the Basque Country to face Athletic Club at the Cathedral of San Mamés.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle:
Defense
After the massive physical exertions against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday and with a monster Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Newcastle just around the corner, Hansi Flick will have
to be careful about picking a strong team on Saturday while also making sure his side is fully fit for the trip to England.
There’s not much that can be done at the back, however, as injuries to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have severely limited the defensive options available. Only five first team defenders are fit, and we think the coach will pick Eric Garcia at right-back, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín at center-back, and João Cancelo at left-back as his back four in this one.
Midfield
Marc Bernal and Pedri were extraordinary in midweek but were also among the players most exhausted at the end of the game against Atleti, so it’s safe to assume Flick will rest both for Newcastle and start Marc Casadó at the base of midfield, with Fermín López and Dani Olmo playing as number 8s in a more classic 4-3-3 structure.
Attack
Raphinha was another player whose tank was very clearly at zero in midweek and would benefit from getting at least 45-60 minutes off in this one, and we think Flick will be careful with the Brazilian given his recent injury issues and start Marcus Rashford on the left. Robert Lewandowski will be in the squad and available to play with a mask but might be saved for Newcastle, so we expect Ferran Torres to lead the line and Lamine Yamal to retain his spot on the right wing. Starting Roony Bardghji is not a bad idea, but Barça still need to win this one and Lamine’s form is just too good.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Fermín, Casadó, Olmo; Yamal, Ferran, Rashford (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Athletic? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
