Hansi Flick’s possible XI for Wednesday’s big game
Barcelona play their biggest European game of the season so far when they welcome Copenhagen to Camp Nou for the final game of the Champions League league phase looking for a big win to secure a Top 8 finish and an automatic spot in the Round of 16.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle:
Defense
It’s the most important European game of the season and Barça need to win by at least two or three goals to have a real shot at a Top 8 finish, so Flick will undoubtedly go with his strongest possible lineup for this one.
The back four in front of Joan Garcia picks itself for this one: Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde at full-back, and Pau Cubarsí alongside Gerard Martín at center-back. There’s a non-zero chance that Ronald Araujo makes his first start in two months given the physical nature of Copenhagen’s strikers, but we still think the captain will remain on the bench for this one and Flick will go with a back four that’s looked pretty solid ever since Gerard Maldini started playing centrally.
Midfield
It’s tough to arrive at the most important game of the season so far without the world-class double pivot of Frenkie de Jong (suspension) and Pedri (injury), but Barça still have enough midfield options to put together a solid trio for this one. Eric Garcia is a lock to start at the base of midfield in Frenkie’s absence, and we think Flick will be bold and start both Fermin López and Dani Olmo as attack-minded number 8’s in a more classic 4-3-3 setup, trusting that Eric can provide enough protection as the shield to the backline.
Attack
Ferran Torres remains a doubt for this one with a hamstring issue, and unless The Shark is ready to return and start there is no doubt about the forward trio for a must-win, must-score game: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Fermín, Eric, Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Copenhagen? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
Category: General Sports
