Barcelona look to book a spot in the Champions League semi-finals as they try to overturn a two-goal deficit against Atlético Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final tie at the Metropolitano.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
Defense
Hansi Flick was criticized for playing his two best players all 90 minutes against Espanyol at the weekend, but he did rest five other starters on Saturday and will be able to field his strongest XI in this one.
There will be
a key absence at the back as Pau Cubarsí is suspended after his red card last week, and we think Eric Garcia will be picked ahead of Ronald Araujo as Cubarsí’s replacement at center-back. Gerard Martín had an injury scare at the weekend but is expected to be good to go for this one, and Jules Kounde and João Cancelo will return at the full-back spots after getting a rest at the weekend.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong returned for 10 minutes at the weekend and was very carefully reintegrated into the squad after injury with the goal of being 100% fit to start this one, so we will likely see the reunion of the Dutchman with Pedri at the double pivot. Dani Olmo was rested and also played limited minutes on Saturday, and will start ahead of Fermín López in the number 10 role.
Attack
Flick decided to rest Robert Lewandowski for the whole 90 minutes at the weekend, and the Pole will likely retain his spot up front despite a very productive derby for Ferran Torres. Marcus Rashford played only a half-hour against Espanyol and will start this one on the left, and Lamine Yamal will start on the right looking to lead Barça in their comeback bid.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Eric, Martín, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Atlético? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
