"Barcelona's clash with Chelsea in tomorrow's UEFA Champions League fixture is shaping up to be one of the most tactically complex matches for Hansi Flick. While the team enters the match with renewed confidence, a series of returning players has created several selection dilemmas across the pitch, forcing Flick to weigh up form, fitness and balance before naming his starting XI."
"Furthermore, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi are nailed-on starters, but the other two places remain open. Against Athletic Club, Gerard Martin and Alejandro Balde filled the remaining defensive roles. However, Balde did not finish the match after taking a blow to the head. Even so, all signs point to the fact that he will be available, while the centre-back partnering Cubarsi will likely be either Ronald Araujo or Eric García."
"Midfield is another puzzle entirely. Frenkie de Jong is back and expected to start, but who joins him is still unclear. Fermin Lopez delivered an excellent performance against Athletic, Eric Garcia continues to impress whenever called upon, and Marc Casado is also an option. Flick may even shift things around and move Fermin into a more advanced role, allowing Dani Olmo to take a rest. But what Flick will do is a matter of last-minute decision."
Hansi Flick faces multiple selection dilemmas for Barcelona's Champions League meeting with Chelsea after several players returned to training. Joan García is confirmed in goal. Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi are certain in the backline, while Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo and Eric García compete for the remaining defensive spots; Balde took a head blow but appears likely to be available. Frenkie de Jong is expected to start in midfield, with Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia and Marc Casado also in contention and a possible positional tweak to rest Dani Olmo. Lamine Yamal is assured on the right, while Raphinha’s comeback is being managed and Marcus Rashford is in strong form.
Read at Barca Universal
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