Barcelona face their fourth Champions League conflict of the season on Wednesday night once they go to Serbian giants Crimson Star Belgrade.
Following a routine Catalan derby victory over Espanyol on the weekend, La Blaugrana prolonged their lead on the high of La Liga to 9 factors. The in-form outfit have now gained six matches on the bounce in all competitions below Hansi Flick.
A disappointing ten-man defeat to Monaco of their Champions League opener has been adopted by commanding victories over Younger Boys and Bayern Munich, with Flick maybe tempted to relaxation a few of his busy first-teamers within the Serbian capital this midweek.
Right here is how Barcelona may line up on Wednesday.
GK: Inaki Pena – Pena loved a largely uneventful afternoon on the weekend and can hope for a equally quiet night on Wednesday. The Serbian aspect have averaged simply 2.7 pictures on the right track per match within the Champions League up to now.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde was handed a relaxation on the weekend as younger Hector Fort changed him in victory over native rivals Espanyol. The Frenchman needs to be extra lively within the Crimson Star half than his personal.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The 17-year-old will not have skilled many atmospheres extra hostile than the Rajko Mitic Stadium on a European night time. Nonetheless, the centre-back is seldom flustered on the massive stage.
CB: Inigo Martinez – Martinez has been in spectacular type for Barca, capitalising on accidents to Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. The skilled defender has been the right foil for defensive associate Cubarsi.
LB: Alejandro Balde – The left-back has proved a menace within the remaining third over current weeks and will likely be eager to make it three assists in a row when visiting Serbia. He is began the final six matches for La Blaugrana.
DM: Gavi – Having spent simply shy of a yr on the sidelines, Gavi may make a primary begin since final November on Wednesday night. The teenager has been understandably eased again into the equation with a number of quick cameos to this point.
DM: Marc Casado – Casado was distinctive within the victory over Espanyol, pulling the strings from deep positions and exhibiting his spectacular La Masia coaching. Barca instantly discover themselves well-stocked in midfield with Frenkie de Jong now match once more.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The turbo-charged winger has scored or assisted within the 4 matches because the October worldwide break and appears more likely to contribute within the remaining third once more in Belgrade.
AM: Fermin Lopez – Olmo produced a masterful efficiency on the weekend however Flick will likely be keen to maintain the summer time signing well-rested following an damage layoff earlier this time period. Lopez may enter the fray on Wednesday and has been dependable when known as upon this time period.
LW: Ansu Fati – Minutes have been troublesome to come back by for Fati this season, who has solely began within the 5-1 win over Sevilla. Raphinha is in scintillating type however may very well be rested for his youthful teammate midweek.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Lewandowski had scored 5 in three matches earlier than his weekend clean at Espanyol. That is unhealthy information for Crimson Star, who’re more likely to really feel his wrath because of this.
