Barcelona will aim to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals when they host Newcastle United at Spotify Camp Nou for the round of 16 second leg on Wednesday evening. Hansi Flick has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, and Jules Kounde are still recovering from hamstring injuries that will keep them in the treatment room for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen is a long-term absentee due to his knee injury.
However, a few players will return to the starting lineup after getting some rest in the league game against Sevilla this past weekend. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed his squad’s motivation ahead of the critical clash with Newcastle United.
The Barcelona head coach said, “The squad is highly motivated. The Champions League is special. Everyone wants to play in it, and it drives you on. We have to stay positive and believe. We’re capable of winning this competition, but we need to improve and get every player performing at their best.”
Meanwhile, during his press conference, Flick discussed Lamine Yamal’s fitness after the Spanish international received some rest this past weekend. The German tactician said, “He’s fine. He’s the player who can make a difference. He trained fantastically yesterday. The team did too. Today as well.”
Joan Garcia is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Newcastle United on Wednesday. The backline will feature Joao Cancelo, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Gerard Martin.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Marc Bernal and Pedri in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the home side against Newcastle United, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. So, Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford, and Dani Olmo will be among the backup options on the bench.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
