FC Barcelona shall be aiming to finish their UEFA Champions League group stage on a powerful observe as they tackle Atalanta of their closing sport of this spherical tonight.
The Blaugrana have secured a top-eight spot within the UCL and with it a direct spot within the Spherical of 16 of the competitors, with out having to undergo an extra playoff stage.
A victory tonight towards the Italians, coupled with Liverpool probably slipping up, might even see Hansi Flick’s males end on the prime of the standings, which might earn them beneficial draw within the subsequent spherical in addition to further money within the coffers.
Having rotated his crew in the course of the weekend’s La Liga conflict towards Valencia, the Barcelona supervisor is anticipated to call his strongest potential lineup tonight towards Gian Piero Gasperini’s males.
Barcelona go into the match with out Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Inigo Martinez, Dani Olmo, and Andreas Christensen, who has suffered a recent damage setback.
However the supervisor has Pedri again at his disposal after the midfielder missed the final sport attributable to gastroenteritis.
Right here’s how the Catalan heavyweights are more likely to line up towards final season’s UEFA Europa League winners at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tonight.
Defence
The goalkeeper’s spot has generated a variety of dialogue and debate in current weeks, however Hansi Flick made it clear throughout his press convention that it will likely be Wojciech Szczesny who would be the starter for Barcelona tonight and within the coming video games.
In the meantime, a solitary change is anticipated within the centre-back division the place captain Ronald Araujo is ready to return to the beginning XI, on the expense of Eric Garcia.
Ronald Araujo to interchange Eric Garcia. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
The Uruguayan worldwide shall be partnering Pau Cubarsi on the coronary heart of the Blaugrana defence whereas Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde proceed because the full-backs on the fitting and left sides, respectively.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong loved a strong sport towards Valencia on the weekend given a uncommon beginning alternative. Nonetheless, with Pedri again accessible, it’s virtually assured that the 22-year-old will reclaim his beginning berth within the midfield for Barcelona.
In the meantime, the Spanish worldwide will proceed to be paired up with Marc Casado who has turn out to be an integral member of this Barça setup below Hansi Flick this season.
Shifting up, Fermin Lopez put in his finest show of the season, racking up two targets and assists apiece towards Valencia, after beginning because the No. 10. Nonetheless, the La Masia gem is anticipated to make means for star midfielder Gavi, who has been in fantastic type in 2025.
Assault
Robert Lewandowski is anticipated to reclaim his beginning berth once more after coming off the bench towards Valencia over the weekend. Ferran Torres, who additionally scored within the La Liga conflict towards his former membership, will make means.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will proceed occupying the large areas for Barcelona and can carry a terrific risk going ahead.
There may very well be minutes off the bench for gamers like Fermin, Ferran, and Pablo Torre within the second interval.