FC Barcelona finally return to La Liga action again following the latest international break. Fortunately for the Catalan giants, no significant injuries or setbacks took place this time and that is always a reason to celebrate. However, the players must now turn their attention towards Barcelona again.
Their upcoming test, however, is against none other than Michel’s Girona. A team that thoroughly bested Barcelona last season, it is an encounter that Hansi Flick will not want to take for granted and the German coach will want to ensure that his players are up for the task. Naturally, a strong starting lineup is also expected.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against their Catalan opponents.
Expected Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Still the number one choice for Barcelona, Ter Stegen has now also achieved that goal for the German National team. It is hardly surprising, given that with Manuel Neuer’s retirement he becomes the most trusted option in the team. Against Girona, however, he will need to be at his own best level to continue performing for his club side as well.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Without a doubt, Jules Kounde has now fully embraced his new role as a right-back for Barcelona and for his country. While it may not have been his natural position at first, the French defender has since developed his game and is now a much more impactful player in that position.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
The young defender remains one of Barça’s most reliable options at the back. While he may not be the most imposing defender out there, it is true that Pau Cubarsi offers another lethal weapon to the team and that is his passing range and vision. Thanks to that skillset, he is able to cut open opposition defensive lines with a single pass at times.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
While he may be the oldest option in terms of defenders at Barcelona, Inigo Martinez remains as youthful in his displays as ever. From his experience to his aggressiveness, he is the right kind of partner that a young defender like Pau Cubarsi needs alongside him to thrive.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
From his electrifying pace to his commendable workrate, Alejandro Balde is a player who fits into Hansi Flick’s system quite well. The Spaniard possesses that dynamic play style that can flourish under the German technician and his return from injury has been a great blessing for Barcelona this season.
CDM: Marc Casado
With Marc Bernal out for this season and even beyond, his duties have been passed on to Marc Casado. The young midfielder continues to showcase that he has the tenacity and maturity to play in that position, but it will have to be seen how he performs against an in-form side like Girona.
CDM: Pedri
With a sensational start to the season so far, Pedri continues to showcase his most exciting version in recent memory. At this rate, he remains an untouchable in Hansi Flick’s squad and his influence is there for everyone to see and commend.
RAM: Lamine Yamal
The prodigy of Barcelona and Spain continues to light up the field for both his club and his country. His participation in this game is already taken for granted and he will want to continue performing at his highest possible level given his high aspirations for his career at Barça.
CAM: Dani Olmo
The blockbuster signing for Barcelona this summer, Dani Olmo has been extremely impressive so far this season. From the way that he unlocks his teammates, links up plays, and also remains a great goal threat himself, the Spaniard remains a player who can help the team out in many different ways.
LAM: Raphinha
With a hattrick in the last game against Real Valladolid, Raphinha is in the form of his life right now. A dangerous player both because of his offensive skills and his defensive contributions as well, it will be interesting to see if that last performance helps the Brazilian forward unlock some untapped potential.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
After a solid campaign with Poland during the international break, Robert Lewandowski will want to continue performing at the level that he has shown so far this season. As the top scorer in La Liga, the Polish striker will be a likely starter for this game as well.
