"One of Barcelona's main doubts for tonight's match against Chelsea was who would play at the heart of the defence alongside Pau Cubarsi. And, according to Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Araujo will be named in the starting XI for Barça at Stamford Bridge tonight. The 26-year-old second captain is not a regular starter for Barcelona this season, with Hansi Flick often preferring the pairing of Cubarsi and Eric Garcia. But the latter will likely start in midfield."
"Araujo was not part of the starting lineup against Athletic Club last weekend, only coming on as a half-time substitute after Alejandro Balde was withdrawn as a precautionary measure. However, Flick has chosen the Uruguayan centre-back for tonight's game at Stamford Bridge. He needs strength and speed at the back, as well as a powerful defender who dominates in the air, which is why Araujo is set to get the nod."
"It is worth recalling that Flick already selected Araujo as a starter in Barcelona's Champions League opener of the season against Newcastle United. In their other away match in Europe, against Club Brugge, the Uruguayan also played the full 90 minutes. So far this season, Araujo has featured in 14 matches in all competitions, even chipping in with two goals."
FC Barcelona face a must-win UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 fixture at Stamford Bridge after dropping points against PSG and Club Brugge. Ronald Araujo is set to start at the heart of Barcelona's defence alongside Pau Cubarsi, while Eric Garcia is likely to operate in midfield. Araujo has not been a regular starter this season under Hansi Flick, who has often preferred the Cubarsi–Garcia pairing. Flick selected Araujo for his strength, speed, and aerial presence. Araujo came on as a half-time substitute against Athletic Club and previously started against Newcastle and played the full 90 minutes at Club Brugge, totaling 14 appearances and two goals.
Read at Barca Universal
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