Barcelona face a massive test in Europe on Tuesday night as the Catalans travel to London to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their fifth League Phase match of this season’s Champions League.
Barça are in a tough spot after picking up just seven points from their opening four games, and anything but a win against the reigning Club World Cup champions would make it almost impossible for the Blaugrana to finish in the Top 8 and secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
Defense
Barça are getting healthier after a serious injury crisis and Flick will be able to pick a pretty strong side for this one, and we think he’ll start Ronald Araujo alongside Pau Cubarsí at center-back. Alejandro Balde should be good to go after being replaced at halftime as a precaution in the last game, and Jules Kounde will retain his spot at right-back after a strong outing at the weekend.
Midfield
Barça get a massive piece back for this one as Frenkie de Jong returns in midfield after serving a suspension at the weekend, and we think he’ll have Eric Garcia as a double pivot partner after Eric’s impressive performance as a defensive midfielder against Athletic. That would mean only one of Fermín López and Dani Olmo would get the start as the number 10, and Fermín’s amazing form makes it a pretty easy choice for Flick.
Attack
Marcus Rashford had to miss the game against Athletic through illness but was back in training the following day and should be ready to go for this one. Since Raphinha is not quite ready to start just yet, the Englishman will likely get the nod ahead of Feran Torres on the left wing, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line and Lamine Yamal starting on the right.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; Eric, De Jong; Yamal, Fermín, Rashford; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
