Barcelona look to book a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals when they welcome Newcastle to Camp Nou for the second leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle:
Defense
Flick had a near perfect Sunday against Sevilla as he saw his team play an excellent game, score a lot of goals and also give the coach a chance to rest many of his key starters, so we will see Barça’s strongest possible team in this one.
There is only one real doubt at
the back as we think Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and João Cancelo are locks to keep their spots, leaving the right-back position as the only real question mark. Ronald Araujo started last week in England thanks in part to Eric Garcia’s injury, but Eric will be available for the second leg and we think he’ll be chosen ahead of Araujo given his superior ball-playing skills as Barça will look to have a much stronger attacking performance in this one.
Midfield
Dani Olmo had a very influential substitute cameo in the first leg and followed that up with a great goal and a really strong showing against Sevilla at the weekend, and that has likely earned him a starting spot ahead of Fermín López in the second leg. Marc Bernal and Pedri will start at the base of midfield, looking to lead Barça to a more creative and dynamic attacking display at home.
Attack
Raphinha looked a lot more like his usual self at the weekend, scoring a hat-trick and looking really good physically as well. The Brazilian will start on the left wing looking to rediscover his European magic from last season, while a rested Lamine Yamal will look to be his usual brilliant self on the right wing. There is no real good option up front as both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres are struggling and Marcus Rashford isn’t really seen a striker by Flick, so we think Lewandowski will be chosen by default given his experience in big European games.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Newcastle? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
