With the international break now behind them, FC Barcelona is back on the pitch tonight as they face Atletico Madrid in a La Liga matchup at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
As the critical phase of the season approaches, the Blaugrana are keen to start strong and build momentum ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against the same team in the following week.
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This season, Barça and Atleti have faced each other three times, with Barcelona winning twice and Atletico once, though that single victory resulted in Barcelona missing out on a spot in the Copa del Rey final.
However, the reigning league champions head into this match encouraged by the return of key defenders Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde, although Raphinha is sidelined. Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen also remain unavailable.
Currently, Barcelona holds a four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid in La Liga. However, with Los Blancos playing against Mallorca earlier today, that advantage could shrink to one point, making a victory crucial for the leaders.
With that context in mind, here’s a look at how Hansi Flick is likely to configure his Barcelona squad against Diego Simeone’s team at the Metropolitano later tonight.
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Defense
After making his debut for the Spanish national team, Joan Garcia will take his place in goal for Barcelona, hoping for a better performance than on his last trip to the Metropolitano, where the team conceded four first-half goals.
In defense, Eric Garcia is set to return to the lineup, positioned at right-back ahead of Jules Kounde, who is back after more than a month out.
Despite Alejandro Balde’s return, Joao Cancelo is expected to retain his spot at left-back following a series of solid performances in recent weeks.
Joao Cancelo is set to start again at left-back. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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At center-back, the duo of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin is expected to hold their ground, with Martin emerging as a reliable presence in a makeshift role throughout the season.
Midfield
With Frenkie de Jong still sidelined, Hansi Flick faces limited options in the midfield department.
This means Pedri, a consistent starter, will partner with rising star Marc Bernal, who has gained confidence and proven his worth with steady performances in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Gavi and Marc Casado could provide options from the bench.
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In the No. 10 position, while Dani Olmo is a strong candidate, Fermin Lopez’s recent form and contributions are likely to earn him the starting role over his teammate.
Attack
As for the attacking line, Raphinha’s absence leaves a significant gap on the left flank that will need filling. Marcus Rashford is expected to step up, even though his performance has been inconsistent during the latter half of the season.
On the opposite side, the influential Lamine Yamal will be crucial in determining the match’s outcome.
Despite a scoring slump, Ferran Torres is anticipated to start as the No. 9, replacing Robert Lewandowski, who faced a disappointing international break with Poland without securing World Cup qualification.