How Barcelona will change their lines up against Crvena Zvezda in UCL
- FlashFootball 2024/11/06 07:54
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Barcelona will be looking for their 14th win of the 2024/25 season in all competitions when they host Crvena Zvezda in the fourth round of UEFA Champions League matches on Wednesday.
The Blaugrana will go into the Rajko Mitic Stadium full of confidence after picking up three crucial wins over Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and RCD Espanyol in recent weeks.
As such, Hansi Flick's men will be firm favourites to return home with all three points, even if the atmosphere in Belgrade is likely to be daunting and perhaps even hostile.
Barcelona will once again be without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Ferran Torres, while Eric Garcia remains on the sidelines.
Flick could make a few changes to his starting line-up tomorrow, especially with a big La Liga clash against Real Sociedad coming up at the weekend. Here's how Barcelona could line up against Crvena Zvezda tomorrow.
Defence
With Inaki Pena excelling between the sticks in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, he is expected to retain his place in the Barcelona line-up, as the wait for emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny's debut continues.
Jules Kounde, who has not missed a game for Barça since last November, should return to the starting line-up at right-back after coming off the bench in the Catalan derby. Hector Fort will be left out.
Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been brilliant at centre-back for Barça and are unlikely to be touched, while Alejandro Balde is expected to continue at left-back.
Midfield
It is in the midfield department that the coach is likely to make some changes. Pedri played over 80 minutes in Sunday's derby and it could be a sign that the Spain international will get a rest tomorrow night against Crvena Zvezda.
In his place, Frenkie de Jong could be in line for his first start under the new coach, having accumulated enough minutes since returning from injury.
The Dutchman is likely to be paired with Marc Casado in a double pivot for the Blaugrana. The 21-year-old has been in fine form of late, registering an assist in each of his last three games, and will be hoping to continue in the same vein.
Dani Olmo started and stole the show against Espanyol on Sunday, but with his return from injury and a crucial game coming up this weekend, Fermin Lopez could get the nod as Barcelona's number 10 tomorrow.
Gavi and Pablo Torre will again be options from the bench.
Attack
Lamine Yamal has been in sensational form, making him almost indispensable to Flick, and the 17-year-old prodigy should start on the right flank tomorrow.
Robert Lewandowski, who is just three goals shy of a century in the UEFA Champions League, will once again spearhead the Blaugrana attack.
Completing Barcelona's attacking trio tomorrow could be Ansu Fati, who has yet to make an impact since returning from injury. Raphinha could therefore be given a breather.
Pau Victor could also be an option for Flick if he decides to shake things up in attack.
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