"Flick was able to successfully rotate his team and still pick up a huge win away to Athletic Club at the weekend, so the coach will be able to pick his best available XI for this one."
"The other two spots in the back four all depend on Ronald Araujo: if the Uruguayan does start, which is a good idea given the danger of Newcastle's set pieces, then Gerard Martín and João Cancelo will compete for a spot at left-back."
"This is an away game in Europe that requires tons of energy, intensity and transition play, so we think Fermín López will be picked ahead of Dani Olmo in the number 10 role to start this one."
"Lamine Yamal remains on fire and will start on the right looking to bring his magic to a huge European game on the road, and we think Robert Lewandowski will start up front ahead of the struggling Ferran Torres, bringing much-needed height and veteran leadership."
Barcelona travels to Newcastle for a crucial Champions League Round of 16 first leg at St. James' Park. Coach Hansi Flick will deploy his strongest lineup after successfully rotating players in a recent victory. Joan Garcia starts in goal with a defensive line featuring Eric Garcia at right-back, Pau Cubarsí as center-back, and Ronald Araujo likely starting alongside him for his height advantage against Newcastle's set pieces. Gerard Martín will play left-back with João Cancelo as backup. The midfield pairs Marc Bernal and Pedri in the double pivot, with Fermín López in the number 10 role ahead of Dani Olmo. The attacking setup includes Raphinha on the left, Lamine Yamal on the right, and Robert Lewandowski leading the line ahead of Ferran Torres.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]