Barcelona travel to England for a massive European night as the Blaugrana face Newcastle in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at St. James’ Park.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
Defense
Flick was able to successfully rotate his team and still pick up a huge win away to Athletic Club at the weekend, so the coach will be able to pick his best available XI for this one.
The incredible Joan Garcia will start in goal, and we think Eric Garcia will start at
right-back and Pau Cubarsí will be one of the two center-backs. The other two spots in the back four all depend on Ronald Araujo: if the Uruguayan does start, which is a good idea given the danger of Newcastle’s set pieces, then Gerard Martín and João Cancelo will compete for a spot at left-back.
If Araujo remains on the bench, then Martín will partner Cubarsí with Cancelo on the left, but we think Flick will value Araujo’s height and power and choose Martín as a more defensive-minded left-back at least to start the game.
Midfield
Marc Bernal and Pedri each played 45 minutes in Bilbao and will arrive in England relatively fresh, and given the form of both we think they’ll start together in the double pivot. This is an away game in Europe that requires tons of energy, intensity and transition play, so we think Fermín López will be picked ahead of Dani Olmo in the number 10 role to start this one.
Attack
Marcus Rashford was the hero of Barça’s first trip to Newcastle this season but has now embraced the role of super sub since the return of Raphinha, who will start on the left after getting a full hour of rest against Athletic. Lamine Yamal remains on fire and will start on the right looking to bring his magic to a huge European game on the road, and we think Robert Lewandowski will start up front ahead of the struggling Ferran Torres, bringing much-needed height and veteran leadership to a very difficult away test.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Araujo, Cubarsí, Martín; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, 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!
