FC Barcelona arrive at their first step of the season when it comes to the UEFA Champions League. Hansi Flick’s men have looked incredible when it comes to La Liga so far, but this will be a new challenge altogether. Away from home and ready for action, Barcelona are ready to go.
Their first challenge during this season’s group phase will be Adolf Hutter’s in-form Monaco side. Unbeaten in Ligue 1, they have their own merit to prove and show to the global audience that they are a side to be taken seriously. After all, they did make sure that Barcelona tasted defeat during the preseason.
However, for Hansi Flick’s side, this is both a chance for redemption as well as an opportunity to showcase their newfound strengths and new chemistry. Yet, it must not be taken lightly and Barcelona will need to make use of all of their assets despite their injuries to pull through.
That is why it looks like Hansi Flick has decided to field a strong lineup once again for his first game in the Champions League as head coach of FC Barcelona, as released officially by the club.
In goal, German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen retains his place as Barça’s guardian. The former Monchengladbach goalkeeper will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against a formidable Monaco side but also focus on his distribution to always give his team some sort of advantage when it comes to possession
Ahead of him, the two central defenders are Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez. That partnership continues to start yet another game for Barcelona this season and while they have not tasted defeat so far this campaign, they will not want to taste it against Monaco this time around.
On either side of them, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde take the stage as the two fullbacks for Barcelona. The two combine to produce a pairing that strikes the perfect balance between defensive strength and offensive potential, something that Barcelona could really make use of.
In the heart of the midfield, Marc Casado is paired up with Eric Garcia for this game. The two Spaniards will look to hold their own against Monaco’s might and also look to ensure that their attacking midfielders and forwards are well-fed no matter what.
On the right side of the attack, Lamine Yamal takes the spot as anyone could have predicted. He remains in fine form and is arguably one of the most in-form players in world football right now. He is accompanied by Raphinha’s dynamic qualities and Pedri’s composure in the heart of the attack.
Lastly, Robert Lewandowski starts as the team’s primary centre-forward and he will be expecting good service from his teammates today. Hopefully, however, he is able to make his chances count against a side that Barcelona will definitely need goals against.
