1 week Ago
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images Hansi Flick’s possible XI for Wednesday’s huge European tie Barcelona look to take a big step towards the Final Four of this season’s UEFA Champions League when the La Liga leaders welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium for the first leg of their quarter-final tie.The Blaugrana have a big opportunity to take a sizeable lead to take into next week’s inferno in front of the Yellow Wall against a Dortmund side missing several of their best players, but the German giants found a way to reach the Final against all odds last season and will be looking to cause another major upset in the Catalan capital.Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle.
Defense Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images Flick’s lineup for big games is pretty well known at this point, so we think there are only two real questions regarding his selection for this one.The first is at the back, with Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí and the fit-again Iñigo Martínez fighting for two center-back spots. Cubarsí and Iñigo has been Hansi’s go-to pairing all season long and we think that remains the case here, with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde retaining their full-back spots.
Midfield Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images The other doubt is in midfield, with the question being who will be the number 10 in front of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Gavi scored at the weekend and has looked more like his own self as of late, but Fermín López offers the kind of attacking instincts that Barça sorely miss when Dani Olmo is not available.We think Flick will stick with Gavi for his defensive prowess and ability to press, but don’t be surprised if Fermín gets the nod to give the team more of a scoring punch against what should be a back five from the visitors.
Attack Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images Despite Ferran Torres’ marvelous form, the front three for big games is always set: Lamine Yamal on the right, Robert Lewandowski through the middle and Raphinha on the left. The Brazilian has had a couple of very strange weeks on and off the pitch and made an ugly scene at the weekend, but he’s determined to put all of it behind him and shine once again on an European night, an occasion that’s brought the very best out of him all season long.Possible XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)How do you think Barcelona should line up against Dortmund? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!.
