Ferran, De Jong start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Elche | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will square off against Elche CF tonight at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, hoping to stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga table.

The Blaugrana currently have a one-point advantage over Real Madrid, who will be in action on Sunday afternoon. So, Hansi Flick & co. have a great chance of increasing the gap and putting pressure on their rivals with a victory tonight.

Barcelona come into the game on the back of a solid performance against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, registering a 4-1 victory which secured them a top-eight finish and direct qualification to the Round of 16.

Moreover, the visitors will be boosted by the return of captain and key midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, who missed the midweek clash due to suspension. Flick, however, will once again be without Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen, all of whom are recovering from injury.

Elche will pose a tough challenge, having already taken points off of both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid this season. However, Barça did beat them 3-1 in the reverse fixture back in November, which will give them plenty of confidence heading into the game.

Here’s how Flick is likely to set up his Barcelona lineup tonight as he seeks another win over Eder Sarabia’s Elche outfit.

Defence

Joan Garcia is a guaranteed starter between the sticks for Barcelona, having excelled in his debut season so far. However, the Spaniard will be hoping to keep a clean sheet, having managed only one in his last four appearances in all competitions.

At right-back, Jules Kounde is pretty much a guaranteed starter, with Flick likely to use Joao Cancelo in the upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Albacete next week. Alejandro Balde, meanwhile, should continue on the left side.

Pau Cubarsi will continue as one of the centre-backs for the Blaugrana, but will likely see a change of partners, with Eric Garcia expected to move back into defence after starting in midfield against Copenhagen.

Midfield

Back and set to start. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong is available again after missing the midweek game through suspension and is expected to walk right back into the starting XI for Barcelona tonight.

As for his partner in the double pivot, Flick has options such as Marc Bernal, who changed the complexion of the game after coming on as a substitute against Copenhagen.

Dani Olmo is also an option to operate in a slightly deeper role than he is used to. However, Marc Casado could be given another opportunity from the start as he aims to rediscover his form and push for more regular minutes.

Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, ought to continue as the No. 10, meaning Olmo will be among the substitutes.

Attack

Ferran Torres is back to full fitness and is expected to start tonight as the centre-forward, replacing Robert Lewandowski. The Spaniard was on target against Elche in the reverse fixture and will be keen on scoring again.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal, who also scored against Elche in the previous meeting, will occupy the right flank as usual, while Raphinha is expected to start on the left side.

Marcus Rashford, who scored a brilliant free-kick goal in midweek, will be on the bench again, along with Roony Bardghji.