Araujo, Rashford start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Sevilla

Barcelona will be looking to quickly recover from a disappointing Champions League defeat when they face Sevilla later today. 

The Catalan giants have shown remarkable dominance over Sevilla in recent years, boasting a seven-game winning streak against them. 

Last season alone, Barcelona secured emphatic 5-1 and 4-1 victories in La Liga, highlighting their superiority. 

In fact, the team has not lost to Sevilla in the league since October 2015, giving Hansi Flick plenty of confidence heading into today’s clash.

This confidence comes after a tough midweek for Barcelona in Europe. On Wednesday night, they suffered a 1-2 home defeat to a Paris Saint-Germain side struggling with injuries. 

Despite missing key players, PSG pulled off a famous win, leaving Barcelona to regroup quickly ahead of their La Liga fixture. 

While the loss was a setback in Europe, Flick’s side has been performing strongly in Spain. The team has collected 19 points from their opening seven matches. 

However, a win against Sevilla is crucial if Barcelona want to head into the international break as La Liga leaders, following Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Villarreal last night.

Defence

Alejandro Balde should return to the starting XI. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona face some selection challenges in defence. 

With first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia unavailable and Marc-Andre ter Stegen still recovering from injury, Flick is expected to rely on Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks. 

Szczesny brings experience and reliability, which will be vital against a strong Sevilla attack.

In defence, changes are likely due to the importance of the match. Jules Kounde is expected to retain his spot at right-back, but Eric Garcia could be replaced by captain Ronald Araujo. 

Pau Cubarsi is tipped to partner Araujo at centre-back, while Alejandro Balde is likely to return to the starting XI, taking over from Gerard Martin. 

These adjustments aim to give Barcelona a solid defensive foundation while keeping key players fresh for the busy schedule.

Midfield

Dani Olmo will want to leave his mark. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s midfield remains a settled area. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are expected to control the game, showing resilience and creativity in the centre of the park. 

Despite the fatigue from the PSG clash, Flick cannot afford to rotate these two, though he has Marc Casado and Marc Bernal on the bench if needed.

The attacking midfield will see Dani Olmo play a central role, especially with Gavi and Fermín sidelined. 

Olmo is expected to make the difference in the final third and take responsibility for key plays. 

Attack

Lewandowski will lead the attack. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In attack, the absence of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha presents a challenge, but Flick has a strong forward line ready. 

Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford are expected to start, forming a trio that offers both pace and scoring power. 

While Roony Bardghji is available as an option, the current form of Ferran and Rashford makes them almost untouchable in the starting XI.

Barcelona will be hoping this lineup can restore confidence and momentum ahead of the international break. 

The combination of experience in defence, control in midfield, and firepower upfront should give them the edge against a struggling Sevilla side.