Barcelona are set to face Borussia Dortmund in one of the vital eagerly awaited matches of this week’s UEFA Champions League at Sign Iduna Park.
This recreation holds vital significance for Barcelona, as a victory would all however safe their passage to the Champions League knockout stage.
Given the stakes, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick is unlikely to experiment together with his lineup, and he’ll area his strongest crew.
Dortmund have been in superb type this season within the Champions League, successful 4 of their 5 matches to this point. Their report is the same as Barcelona’s, although the Catalan facet sits forward resulting from a superior aim distinction.
Regardless of this, Dortmund’s spectacular efficiency within the competitors can’t be underestimated, and Barcelona will must be at their finest to beat them.
In distinction, Barcelona have constantly delivered in Europe, most not too long ago securing a dominant 3-0 win over Brest, which helped them keep their place within the prime eight of the group.
Wanting on the attainable lineup for Barcelona towards Dortmund, let’s break it down place by place.
Defence
Inaki Pena will hold his place towards Borussia Dortmund. (Photograph by Pedro Salado/Getty Pictures)
In aim, Barcelona’s primary selection stays Inaki Pena. Regardless of the arrival of Wojciech Szczesny two months in the past as an emergency signing, Pena has continued to impress and would be the starter as soon as once more.
In defence, Hansi Flick is anticipated to stay together with his present backline. Jules Kounde will keep his place because the right-back, whereas Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez will proceed to carry the centre-back roles.
Regardless of being included within the travelling squad, it seems that Ronald Araujo won’t characteristic within the match and can probably watch from the sidelines.
At left-back, Alejandro Balde will hold his place, finishing a stable defensive unit that has been a key consider Barcelona’s success.
Midfield
Pedri and Marc Casado will likely be Barcelona’s pivot. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Barcelona’s midfield is one other space the place Hansi Flick has loads of choices. Nonetheless, with the significance of this match, it appears unlikely that he’ll make any vital modifications.
Marc Casado and Pedri are anticipated to proceed within the defensive pivot positions, offering the required steadiness and creativity.
Frenkie de Jong is accessible and has been spectacular in his latest appearances, however his defensive shortcomings in latest matches might forestall him from beginning this time.
Dani Olmo, who has had success towards Dortmund prior to now, together with scoring three targets in his profession towards them, will virtually definitely retain his spot because the quantity 10, pulling the strings in midfield and providing help to the assault.
Assault
Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski will lead Barcelona’s attacking towards Dortmund. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Barcelona’s assault is anticipated to characteristic Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.
Lewandowski, specifically, has a powerful report towards Dortmund, having scored 27 targets in 26 matches towards them throughout his profession. His expertise and scientific ending will likely be essential on this high-stakes match.
On the wings, Raphinha and Yamal will proceed their dynamic partnership. The pair have been in glorious type this season, and their tempo and creativity will likely be key to breaking down Dortmund’s defence.
Their means to supply service to Lewandowski and end probabilities themselves will likely be very important if Barcelona are to safe an important win.