FC Barcelona return to the UEFA Champions League as they travel away to Serbia to take on their next opponents. This time around, Hansi Flick’s side will be facing off against FK Crvena zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade. For Barcelona, this is a game that offers the chance to gain some crucial three points.
Moreover, with just one more game coming up after this before the next international break kicks off, it would make sense for Hansi Flick to field as strong of an eleven as he possibly can in this game knowing how important even three points can be in this Champions League format.
Here is how Barcelona could line up for their upcoming game.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
The Spaniard has given no reason to Hansi Flick so far to even consider dropping him from the starting lineup, and Inaki Pena has delivered some more than commendable performances so far.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Having been rested for the previous game against RCD Espanyol, Jules Kounde should be quite motivated and ready to go for this upcoming Champions League encounter. His defensive abilities will surely be a great boost to Hansi Flick’s side.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
Yet another brilliant performance from Pau Cubarsi last time out will surely go a long way in making sure that he remains in the starting lineup as the guaranteed regular that he is. Despite his young age, he is already an expert in terms of playing the Hansi Flick way.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
The Spanish veteran remains a warrior at the back for Barcelona and a leader of sorts for the backline itself. His presence certainly gives the team a lot more confidence and players like that are often needed in competitions such as the Champions League to help the team maintain their mental strength.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
Gradually, it has become clear that Alejandro Balde has what it takes to reach his best levels again. Thanks to his blistering pace and his ability to weave through opponents with ease, he is always a special weapon that can create chaos at any given moment within the game.
CDM: Marc Casado
While there are players who provide creativity and others who provide the tenacity to unsettle the opponent, Marc Casado brings the best of both worlds together. As a result, he has transformed himself into one of Hansi Flick’s untouchable players within this team.
CDM: Pedri
Navigating his way through intense pressure and any kind of tricky spot comes naturally to Pedri, and the young Spaniard remains a key player within Hansi Flick’s Barcelona thanks to his creativity and composure. Against Red Star Belgrade, he should be a guarantee in the starting eleven.
RAM: Lamine Yamal
The magic of Lamine Yamal never fails to amaze, and it is a great blessing for Barcelona in many ways. Even in this upcoming encounter, the 17-year-old La Masia prodigy will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet to start.
CAM: Dani Olmo
A brace in his previous appearance for Barcelona clearly showcased exactly what the team was missing when Dani Olmo was not present. Now that he is back to starting games for the team, his presence against Barça’s upcoming opponents should be guaranteed.
LAM: Raphinha
The Brazilian powerhouse in attack for Barcelona, Raphinha has been blowing expectations out of the water all season long so far. As captain of the team and as one of side’s most effective players this season, he is a player who will be expected to deliver in this upcoming game as well.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker was unable to get any goals to his name in the previous game, so Robert Lewandowski will be more than motivated to ensure that he ends up on the scoresheet in this clash against Red Star Belgrade.