De Jong, Rashford start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Atletico Madrid
· Yahoo Sports
FC Barcelona play their most important game of the season so far when they take on Atletico Madrid later tonight at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
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The Blaugrana suffered a 0-2 loss to Diego Simeone’s side in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie last week at the Spotify Camp Nou.
So, in order to progress in the competition, the Catalans will need to score at least three goals while ensuring that Atleti do not find the back of the net in the best-case scenario.
It will not be easy, but Barcelona will draw confidence from the fact that they have beaten Atletico Madrid three times this season across all competitions – once even at the Metropolitano a little over a week ago in La Liga.
Moreover, the return of Frenkie de Jong from injury provides Hansi Flick & co. a major boost, even though they continue to be without Raphinha and Andreas Christensen. Pau Cubarsi misses out due to suspension.
Flick has some major decisions to make with regard to his team selection for tonight’s game. And, here’s how Barcelona are likely to set up against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
Defence
Joan Garcia is an undisputed starter between the sticks for Barcelona and his keeping a clean sheet could go a long way in helping his team achieve a comeback tonight.
Meanwhile, there will be an enforced change in defence as Pau Cubarsi is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg. Eric Garcia, who has played in midfield in recent matches, is expected to move into the backline to fill the void.
Eric will pair up with Gerard Martin, who is fit after an injury scare during the Catalan derby against Espanyol over the weekend.
As for the full-back positions, Flick is expected to back Jules Kounde once again at right-back, despite his dull display in the first leg. Joao Cancelo, who was rested at the weekend, will replace Alejandro Balde on the left.
Moving back to central defence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Midfield
Midfield is where things get very tricky for Flick with his selection. Pedri is a guaranteed starter and will play from kickoff once again, even though there are some concerns about his workload.
As to who partners him, Flick does not have too many options to choose from, given that Eric Garcia is needed in defence and Marc Bernal has not sufficiently recovered from his ankle sprain.
While Gavi has made a strong case for his inclusion, Frenkie de Jong could end up getting the nod as his presence helps unleash the best version of Pedri. This midfield tandem will be crucial for Barcelona’s chances of a comeback.
Fermin Lopez should edge out Dani Olmo for a spot in the No. 10 position, owing to his eye for a goal and work rate.
Attack
Lamine Yamal is an undisputed starter in attack for Barcelona and will be their biggest weapon going forward from the right flank. Coming into the game, he has hit top form and was unstoppable against Espanyol.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is expected to get the nod on the left flank in Raphinha’s continued absence. While Flick has options like Ferran Torres, or even using Gavi or Dani Olmo in the position, he is likely to take a punt on the Englishman.
Up top, despite Ferran’s goalscoring display against Espanyol, Robert Lewandowski could end up getting the nod tonight owing to his sharper goalscoring instincts and superior finishing.