Barcelona will face Brest at Montjuic in a vital match for his or her Champions League marketing campaign. This recreation is a part of the fifth spherical of the match, and it holds vital significance for the Blaugrana.
A win is crucial for Barcelona to stay within the prime eight of their group, which might assure them a direct spot within the final 16 of the competitors.
After their latest struggles in La Liga, together with a loss to Actual Sociedad and a disappointing draw in opposition to Celta, the workforce wants a robust efficiency to regain momentum.
Hansi Flick must handle with out Lamine Yamal, who continues to be recovering from ankle issues.
Alejandro Balde will even miss out on the beginning XI, as he has been dominated out by the coach. With these absences, Barcelona can be compelled to regulate their beginning lineup for this necessary match.
Defence
In objective, Inaki Pena will proceed because the first-choice goalkeeper for Barcelona. Regardless of a latest shaky efficiency from some gamers, Pena has remained a dependable determine within the web.
In defence, whereas it might sound unlikely at first, there’s a risk that coach Hansi Flick may select to relaxation Jules Kounde. The French defender confirmed indicators of fatigue in the course of the match in opposition to Celta, which led to a vital mistake within the ultimate minutes of the sport.
Though it appeared like a psychological reasonably than a bodily problem, Kounde could profit from a while off.
Nonetheless, with Balde’s absence and Gerard Martin failing to impress in opposition to Celta, it is usually attainable that Kounde will preserve his place within the beginning lineup.
At centre-back, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez will stay key gamers, persevering with to offer energy within the backline. On the left aspect of the defence, Hector Fort could also be given an opportunity to switch Martin, including contemporary vitality to the workforce.
Midfield
This could possibly be Barcelona’s taking part in XI in opposition to Brest.
In midfield, it’s anticipated that Pedri and Marc Casado will kind a central partnership for Barcelona. Pedri, who has been glorious this season, was moved right into a extra superior function in the course of the recreation in opposition to Celta.
Nonetheless, this shift in place affected the workforce’s ball motion, as they struggled to regulate possession successfully. For that reason, the midfield star will doubtless return to a deeper function the place he can affect the sport extra effectively.
Gavi, who continues to be recovering from a critical knee damage, shouldn’t be but match sufficient to play a full match so quickly after his return. Consequently, he’ll almost certainly begin on the bench.
Casado, then again, will play an necessary function on this match. Though he’s suspended for Barcelona’s upcoming match in opposition to Las Palmas, he’s accessible for the Champions League conflict in opposition to Brest.
The attacking midfield function may go to Fermin Lopez, who has proven promise and can be tasked with supporting the assault whereas additionally serving to to regulate the sport’s tempo.
His vitality and creativity could possibly be key for Barcelona in breaking down Brest’s defence.
Assault
Within the assault, Robert Lewandowski is an computerized selection up entrance. The Polish striker has been in implausible kind, already scoring 20 targets this season. His medical ending can be essential for Barcelona if they’re to safe a much-needed win on this recreation.
Moreover, Raphinha has been in glorious kind, showcasing his abilities and talent to unlock defences, making him an apparent starter.
On the left aspect, Dani Olmo would possibly preserve his spot regardless of some difficulties within the match in opposition to Celta. Olmo’s skill to create possibilities and contribute to the assault is important, so he’s anticipated to retain his place within the beginning lineup.
With Barcelona needing a win to remain on observe for the knockout levels of the Champions League, Flick might want to make the precise selections relating to his workforce choice.