Barcelona will face Celta Vigo tonight in a vital match, however they’ll achieve this with out the providers of younger sensation Lamine Yamal. His absence will undoubtedly impression the beginning lineup, and Barcelona might want to regulate their ways accordingly.
Celta Vigo come into this sport stuffed with confidence, having gone unbeaten of their final two outings. The house group has additionally been robust at their stadium, choosing up 13 of their 17 factors this season in entrance of their very own supporters.
For Barcelona, the stakes are excessive. After struggling a disappointing loss to Actual Sociedad, they’re decided to bounce again and preserve their six-point lead on the prime of La Liga.
Regardless of having the very best away document within the league, having earned 18 factors from eight video games, Barcelona have suffered each of their league defeats on the highway.
A poor end result in opposition to Celta Vigo might shrink their lead over Actual Madrid, making this match much more essential.
Whereas Barcelona will likely be lacking a number of key gamers, together with Ansu Fati, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres, the return of skilled figures like Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo to the beginning XI ought to present a lift.
With these key gamers out there, Barcelona nonetheless have the power to place in a powerful efficiency in opposition to a decided Celta aspect. Now, let’s check out how Barcelona would possibly line up in opposition to Celta Vigo tonight.
Defence
Inaki Pena will likely be Barcelona’s goalkeeper. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
In purpose, Barcelona will depend on Inaki Pena, who has grow to be the undisputed first-choice keeper. Regardless of the temptation to begin Wojciech Szczesny, supervisor Hansi Flick has all the time backed Pena, and there’s no purpose to suppose he’ll change his stance now.
On the precise aspect of the defence, Jules Kounde is anticipated to proceed his wonderful kind. Kounde has been a rock for Barcelona this season and has not missed a sport since 2023, so Flick will likely be reluctant to drop him.
The central defensive partnership will function Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi, who’ve fashioned a strong duo on the again.
Nevertheless, there may be a slight change on the left aspect of the defence. Alejandro Balde, who has been essential for Barcelona this season, just isn’t totally match for this match.
If he’s unavailable, Gerard Martin is the probably candidate to step in and fill the void on the left flank.
Midfield
Gavi is more likely to begin in opposition to Celta Vigo. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
Within the midfield, Flick faces a tricky choice as a result of variety of proficient choices at his disposal. Marc Casado is anticipated to maintain his place within the beginning lineup after impressing in latest matches.
The opposite midfield spot is more likely to be a battle between Gavi and Frenkie de Jong. Based mostly on earlier experiences, Gavi is anticipated to get the nod, which means that de Jong might need to accept a spot on the bench.
With Casado and Gavi in midfield, Pedri is more likely to transfer right into a extra superior position, the place he has thrived prior to now. This could be a part of Flick’s most well-liked 4-2-3-1 formation, giving Barcelona the pliability to manage the sport within the center whereas additionally offering offensive help.
Assault
Dani Olmo might function on the precise wing. (Picture by Denis Doyle/Getty Photographs)
With Yamal out of the image, Flick has a number of choices for the assault. Nevertheless, essentially the most logical resolution appears to be utilizing Dani Olmo on the left wing, the place he has carried out effectively prior to now.
On the precise aspect, Raphinha will return to his most well-liked place and supply his common tempo and aptitude to threaten Celta’s defence.
Up entrance, Robert Lewandowski will lead the road for Barcelona. After recovering from a again damage, he’s again to full health and will likely be desperate to get again to scoring methods.
His presence in assault will likely be essential for Barcelona, as they appear to take management of the match and bounce again from their earlier defeat.