A number of important decisions have been made over Barcelona’s starting eleven as manager Hansi Flick gets ready to play his old team, Bayern Munich, in a pivotal match in the UEFA Champions League.
The Blaugrana will be motivated to win against a team that has recently disappointed them as they enter tomorrow’s match fresh off a crushing victory over Sevilla.
Although there are a few noteworthy absences, including Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Eric Garcia, Flick has a nearly full-strength roster with some key players returning from injuries.
As Barcelona gets ready to play Bayern Munich at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tomorrow, there will probably be some changes made to the team that played against Sevilla.
Inaki Pena will continue to play in goal in the absence of first-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen, thus there won’t likely be any changes or substitutions made to the defensive unit.
Jules Kounde will continue to play right-back on the backline. In order to limit Bayern’s wide threats from Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies, the Frenchman will be essential.
With so many possibilities for only three positions on the field, Flick’s situation becomes tricky in the middle area.
Due to his form and importance, Pedri is guaranteed to start right away, and it is probable that the Spanish international will play as one of the pivots from a deeper position. Frenkie de Jong is recuperating from discomfort, so a start seems doubtful.
Marc Casado, who has been a revelation this season, is probably going to be matched with the 2021 Golden Boy. The teenage La Masia star will face Joshua Kimmich, with whom his Barça teammates have drawn comparisons.
Flick will have to make a big decision in the No. 10 position: should he use Fermin Lopez, who made a full recovery from injury this past weekend, or Raphinha through the middle?
However, Olmo didn’t play any minutes against Sevilla, suggesting he still needs time to regain his rhythm, thus Fermin Lopez might end up getting the nod.
This season, Barcelona’s favored front three offers an intriguing blend of flair, experience, and youth.
Lamine Yamal, who began on the right wing, continues his ascent. The quality and dribbling abilities of the adolescent phenom might seriously harm Bayern’s defense.
Robert Lewandowski will be at the center of the assault as he takes on his old team in an attempt to extend his scorching run this season. Against his former squad, the Polish striker’s experience and clinical finishing will be vital.
Raphinha, who is still one of Barcelona’s best players this season, will complete the attacking three on the left wing.
