"Flick must balance the need for a win in this one with the need to save a few bodies for El Clasico at the weekend, but we still expect a pretty strong team on Tuesday to make sure of the points. The coach has the luxury of making changes at the back since the injury plague somehow hasn't affected any of his defenders, so we expect the bulk of the alterations to come in the backline."
"Flick has rotated both of his center-backs pretty regularly this season, and we expect it to happen again with Andreas Christensen and Saturday's hero Ronald Araujo starting in the middle. Alejandro Balde might benefit from a rest in this one ahead of the Clasico given his injury history, so Gerard Martin could start at left-back with Jules Kounde on the right despite his poor recent form."
"Fermin Lopez was fantastic in his second half substitute cameo at the weekend and added much-needed energy and intensity to the side even in a less than ideal left-wing role, so we expect him to start this one in that position since Raphinha and Ferran Torres are not yet ready to return to the XI. Marcus Rashford will lead the line in the absence of Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal will start on the right"
Barcelona return to Champions League action against Olympiacos at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium in their third League Phase match. The Blaugrana seek to recover after a loss to Paris Saint-Germain and will be clear favorites against an Olympiacos side yet to win or score in the competition. Hansi Flick faces a balance between pursuing a win and preserving players for the El Clasico, so selective rotation is likely. Defensive changes are expected with Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo projected centrally and Gerard Martin a possible left-back start. Midfield choices are limited by injuries to Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Marc Bernal, leaving Marc Casado, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong to anchor the middle. Fermin Lopez is tipped for a left-wing start, Marcus Rashford to lead the attack, and Lamine Yamal on the right.
Read at www.barcablaugranes.com
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