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The second of reckoning is right here for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona for they’re only a step away from profitable their first trophy of the 2024/25 season as they tackle Actual Madrid within the Spanish Tremendous Cup remaining later tonight.
After a tremendous begin to the marketing campaign beneath the German tactician, who changed Xavi Hernandez as supervisor, Barça noticed their type fizzle out within the latter levels of 2024.
However issues look like again on observe within the new 12 months, with the Catalans racking up two wins in two video games towards UD Barbastro (Copa del Rey Ro32) and Athletic Membership (Tremendous Cup semi-final).
Tonight, in Saudi Arabia, Flick & co. go to battle towards their bitter rivals with a trophy on the road, having already overwhelmed Actual Madrid 4-0 as soon as this season however figuring out {that a} repeat of that consequence won’t be straightforward to tug off.
Boosted by the provision of now re-registered Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, the Blaugrana will wish to be those celebrating the title when the ultimate whistle blows in Jeddah tonight.
Forward of the Spanish Tremendous Cup remaining Clasico, right here’s how Flick may set his Barcelona workforce up as he appears to be like for his first trophy on the membership.
Defence
One of many largest choices Hansi Flick has on his palms with regard to workforce choice is the starter in purpose.
Inaki Pena has completed solidly within the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, however his tardiness price him a beginning spot for the semi-final towards Athletic Membership.
Wojciech Szczesny stepped up in an enormous approach in what was solely his second look for Barça and all the things suggests that he’s prone to retain his place within the purpose tonight.
Third consecutive begin for Szczesny. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
In the meantime, the line of defense is unlikely to be touched because the quartet of Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde ought to type the rearguard once more and look to execute the offside lure in a faultless method as they did within the first Clasico of the season.
Midfield
The midfield double pivot comprising Marc Casado and Pedri has been an enormous success for Flick and Barcelona this season. As such, the supervisor is unlikely to tinker with the midfield partnership for the massive conflict tonight towards Actual Madrid.
Casado will must be alert to the specter of Jude Bellingham whereas Pedri will present the management and creativity from the centre of the park.
Dani Olmo’s availability poses a cheerful headache for Flick as he has to now select between the previous RB Leipzig star and several other different gamers like Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Frenkie de Jong.
Nonetheless, Gavi is anticipated to begin once more because the central attacking midfielder after scoring within the semi-final win over Athletic Membership.
Assault
The Barcelona frontline just about picks itself with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha beginning on the wings, flanking ace goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.
Yamal and Raphinha had been integral to Barça’s 4-0 Clasico win earlier this season on the Santiago Bernabeu, as they ran the Actual Madrid full-backs ragged. Flick & co. will hope to see a repeat of the show from the wingers once more tonight.
