Casado, Rashford start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Valencia | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will lock horns with Valencia tonight at Estadi Johan Cruyff, aiming to bounce back to winning ways after being held to a draw by Rayo Vallecano before the international break.

The Catalans go into the game, knowing that Real Madrid already have a five-point lead, having won each of their four games, and cannot afford another slip-up.

However, things will not be easy for the reigning champions, especially considering that they will be without some very important players for the game.

Indeed, Lamine Yamal, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde are all out of the game through injuries, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains a long-term absentee.

But there is some positive news as Marc Bernal has received his medical discharge and is all set to return to the squad after more than a year out.

Here’s how Hansi Flick is likely to set his Barcelona team up against Carlos Corberan’s Valencia tonight at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Defence

The Barcelona manager has some major decisions to make in defence, considering that he is yet to figure out his best centre-back pairing this season, while he must also factor in the fatigue from international assignments and the upcoming game vs Newcastle United.

What is certain is that Gerard Martin will get the nod at left-back in the absence of Balde, while Joan Garcia is the undisputed starter between the sticks.

As for the centre-back spots, Pau Cubarsi is expected to feature from the get-go, considering he did not play a lot with Spain, with Andreas Christensen his likely partner ahead of Ronald Araujo, who had an arduous travel back from South America.

Eric Garcia should start at right-back ahead of Jules Kounde who nearly clocked 160 minutes for the French national team during the international break.

Midfield

Marc Casado’s big opportunity. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The absence of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong leaves Flick with limited options in the midfield department heading into tonight’s clash.

As such, in-form superstar Pedri, a permanent starter when fit and available, is likely to be paired up with Marc Casado in the double pivot against Valencia.

The youngster turned down offers to leave this summer to fight for a place in the team and must now make the most of his chance.

As for the attacking midfield position, Fermin Lopez could get the nod ahead of fellow Spaniard Dani Olmo, who will get minutes off the bench.

Attack

Lamine Yamal’s injury complicates matters for Barcelona in attack, and his absence will be felt on the pitch. But Flick has enough options to choose from to fill the void left by the teenage wonderkid.

Roony Bardghji, finally registered, could finally make his debut for Barça, but a start appears unlikely despite Flick holding him in high regard.

As such, the likely route is for Raphinha to slot into his natural role on the right flank against Valencia, opening the spot on the left wing for new signing Marcus Rashford, who scored for England during the international break.

Up top, Robert Lewandowski is yet to start a single game for Barcelona this season, and that trend is unlikely to change with Ferran Torres expected to edge him out once more in the No. 9 position.