Barcelona can be gunning for his or her 14th victory of the 2024/25 season in all competitions once they tackle Crvena Zvezda within the fourth matchweek of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
The Blaugrana head into the encounter on the Rajko Mitic Stadium excessive on confidence after securing three essential wins in opposition to Bayern Munich, Actual Madrid, and RCD Espanyol over the previous couple of weeks.
As such, regardless that they’re prone to be confronted by a frightening, even perhaps hostile, environment in Belgrade tomorrow, Hansi Flick’s facet are the undisputed favourites to return with three factors.
Barcelona as soon as once more head into the sport with out Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Ferran Torres whereas Eric Garcia additionally continues to be out sidelined.
Flick might look to make a number of rotations to the beginning lineup tomorrow, particularly with a giant sport in opposition to Actual Sociedad looming over the weekend in La Liga. Right here’s how Barcelona might line up in opposition to Crvena Zvezda tomorrow.
Defence
With Inaki Pena excelling between the sticks within the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, he’s anticipated to retain his spot within the Barcelona lineup, which means the wait continues for emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny’s debut.
Jules Kounde, who has not missed a single sport for Barça since final November, should return to the beginning lineup at right-back after that includes from the bench within the Catalan derby. Hector Fort will drop out.
Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been good because the centre-back pairing for Barça and are unlikely to be touched whereas Alejandro Balde is anticipated to proceed on the left facet of the defence.
Midfield
Casado to start out once more however Olmo may very well be rested. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
It’s within the midfield division the place some adjustments are prone to be made by the supervisor. Pedri performed greater than 80 minutes in Sunday’s derby and it may very well be an indication that the Spanish worldwide will get a break tomorrow evening in opposition to Crvena Zvezda.
In his place, Frenkie de Jong may very well be in line for his first begin beneath the brand new supervisor having gathered sufficient minutes beneath his belt since getting back from his harm.
The Dutchman is prone to be paired up alongside Marc Casado within the double pivot for the Blaugrana. The 21-year-old has been in good type of late, registering an help in every of the final three video games and can hope to proceed in the identical manner.
Dani Olmo began and stole the present in opposition to Espanyol on Sunday however given that he’s simply getting back from an harm and a vital sport awaits on the weekend, Fermin Lopez might get the nod because the No. 10 tomorrow for Barcelona.
Gavi and Pablo Torre can be choices from the bench once more.
Assault
Lamine Yamal has been in sensational kind which makes him just about indispensable for Flick and as such, the 17-year-old wonderkid ought to begin on the precise flank tomorrow.
Robert Lewandowski, simply three away from a century of targets within the UEFA Champions League, will once more be tasked to spearhead the assault for the Blaugrana.
Finishing the attacking trio for Barcelona tomorrow may very well be Ansu Fati, who has but to make a lot of an impression since getting back from his harm. Raphinha, thus, may very well be getting a breather.
Pau Victor would even be an possibility for Flick if he opts to vary issues up in assault.