Barcelona return from the international break and begin a huge week with a Catalan derby against Girona in La Liga action at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.
The Blaugrana are looking to rebound from two bad
losses to PSG and Sevilla before the break and will play a big European game at home against Olympiacos and then travel to the Spanish capital for the first El Clásico of the season next weekend, so picking up three points against a struggling Girona side is a must.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle:
Defense
The most remarkable thing about Barça’s injury crisis is that it somehow hasn’t affected the backline, as every defender in the squad is currently fit and available to play this weekend.
Jules Kounde played only one of two games for France and will be good to go from the start in this one, and Alejandro Balde will take the other full-back spot after two whole weeks to return to full fitness since returning from injury. The center-back spots are the question as always, and we think Flick will go with Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí in this one.
Midfield
Dani Olmo’s injury and the other (many) absences in midfield and attack might force Flick to do something he hasn’t done in a while and start Pedri in the number 10 spot, which would give Marc Casadó a chance to start alongside Frenkie de Jong in the double pivot.
Attack
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres will be available for this one but might not start this one to be ready for the Olympiacos and Real Madrid games, so choosing a front three won’t be easy with Raphinha unlikely to be fit for this one and Robert Lewandowski ruled out for the next month. So we think Roony Bardghji will get a start on the right wing and Marcus Rashford will lead the line, with Fermín López returning from injury on the left wing.
Possible XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; Casadó, De Jong; Roony, Pedri, Fermín; Rashford (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Girona? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
