Barcelona turn their attentions back to La Liga and look to maintain their narrow lead at the top of the table as they face a tough away test against a very good and entertaining Elche side.
Here’s how
we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle:
Defense
Barça learned in their first meeting of the season with Elche that Eder Sarabia’s side is dangerous and loves to attack, so Hansi Flick will look to use a strong lineup in this one to make sure of the points.
There could still be some changes in the team, though, and we expect one at the back with Eric Garcia as Pau Cubarsí’s center-back partner to open up a spot in midfield, moving Gerard Martín to the bench as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde retain their spots at full-back. João Cancelo is back in the fold and Ronald Araujo is also in contention, but we think they have a better chance of starting in the next Cup match than in this one.
Midfield
Marc Bernal was very impactful in his 45 minutes off the bench in the Champions League comeback against Copenhagen in midweek, and we think Flick will reward his performance with a start in the double pivot alongside the returning Frenkie de Jong. Another influential player against Copenhagen was Dani Olmo, and we think he’ll start this one in his more familiar number 10 role with Fermín López going to the bench.
Attack
Lamine Yamal continued his very strong run of form with another goal and assist against Copenhagen, and he and Raphinha are locks to start this one on the wings. Ferran Torres returned from injury in midweek, and we think he’ll regain his spot up front to give Robert Lewandowski a chance to rest after starting three games in a row for the first time in a while.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; Bernal, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Elche? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
