Barcelona are ready to begin a new European journey as the Catalans travel to England for their opening match in this season’s UEFA Champions League League Phase against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
The Catalans returned to their best at the weekend with a devastating victory over Valencia that came at the perfect time to boost their confidence ahead of what promises to be a very difficult game against Eddie Howe’s side in one of the toughest atmospheres in English football.
Here’s how we think Hansi
Flick will line up his troops for Thursday’s battle.
Defense
Barça were fantastic in every department at the weekend, but their defending was certainly the most encouraging aspect of the performance as the Catalans not only kept a clean sheet but completely denied Valencia’s attack with great pressing, excellent use of the offside trap and virtually zero mistakes at the back.
Pau Cubarsí played his best game of the season so far after a slow start to the campaign, and we expect him to start this one alongside Andreas Christensen at center-back, with the Dane looking pretty good before and during the international break and coming off a rest at the weekend. Jules Kounde and Gerard Martín will retain their full-back spots, with Eric García and Ronald Araujo likely on the bench for this one.
Midfield
Barça’s midfield will be the biggest key to success on Thursday against a very talented and hard-working trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton on the other side, and the expected return of Frenkie de Jong should give the Catalans a boost in terms of press resistance and passing ability in the middle. Pedri, who has been simply sublime to start the campaign, will also be massive in the buildup phase, and will retain his spot in the double pivot. There’s a chance Marc Casadó starts for De Jong if the Dutchman isn’t quite ready to start, but all indications are that Frenkie will be ready to go.
The number 10 position has been up for grabs so far this season but Fermín López made a really strong case to be the permanent starter after a sensational performance at the weekend, so Dani Olmo will have to try and make an impact from the bench in this one.
Attack
Barça’s attack finally found their scoring boots in the second half on Sunday, scoring five goals in the period with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski each getting a brace. We think both of them will start on Thursday, with Lewandowski taking Ferran Torres’ place up front and adding much-needed height to help Barça deal with Newcastle’s big set piece threat thanks to the many giants in their lineup.
With Raphinha likely starting on the right due to Yamal’s injury and Lewandowski possibly back up front, the only doubt is who starts on the left wing: Ferran could easily slide to that position and retain his place in the lineup, but we think Flick will give Marcus Rashford a chance to build some continuity and hope that the Englishman can have a big night in his first club game back home.
Possible XI: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsí, Christensen, Martín; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Fermín, Rashford; 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!
