"Hansi Flick has ensured not to underestimate any opposition in the early stages of the Copa del Rey and has not overly rotated his squad for either of the two games the team has played so far in the competition. Given how both games ended up being close and complicated affairs, it is clear that he will maintain the same approach against Albacete midweek."
"As relayed by SPORT in a recent update, Flick will not overly rotate against Albacete but will make some changes to hand players in need and of a break some time off. One name who will definitely step in on the night to achieve that objective is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese star arrived in the winter window as a versatile defensive signing who can play on both flanks, and Flick will utilise him to give at least one starting full-back a rest."
"Cancelo may feature in his natural position, right-back, and replace Jules Kounde in the lineup to hand the Frenchman a break. That will be the more likely option given how the former Sevilla man had to be taken off with cramps against Elche. Playing at right-back, moreover, can help kill two birds with one stone as it will also help Eric Garcia get some much-needed rest and free him from right-back responsibilities."
Hansi Flick will not underestimate opponents in the early stages of the Copa del Rey and has avoided heavy squad rotation across the two matches played so far. Both games proved close and complicated, so the same cautious approach will continue against Albacete. Albacete play in a lower division but eliminated Real Madrid in the previous round. Flick will make measured changes to give certain players rest. Joao Cancelo, signed in January as a versatile full-back, will enter the lineup to replace either Jules Kounde at right-back or Alejandro Balde at left-back. Deploying Cancelo can also relieve Eric Garcia of right-back duties.
Read at Barca Universal
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