Ferran, Rashford start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Betis | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be in action later tonight in La Liga as they take on Real Betis away from home at Estadio La Cartuja.

The Blaugrana will be riding high on confidence after defeating Atletico Madrid 3-1 earlier this week in a dominant performance at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The recent positive streak of results in La Liga, coupled with Real Madrid’s slip-ups, has allowed Hansi Flick’s men to take a narrow one-point lead at the top of the league standings.

But Real Betis will not be an easy opponent for the Catalans, for Manuel Pellegrini’s men are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

The good news for the reigning champions is that they have recovered two key players – Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez – after the duo missed the past few games.

Dani Olmo, though, is a fresh injury absentee, while Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain out as well. Ronald Araujo is another notable absence for Barça as he takes time off due to mental health problems.

As Barcelona look for another victory to stretch their lead at the top, here’s how Flick could set his team up today against Los Verdiblancos.

Defence

Joan Garcia is proving to be a huge difference maker for Barcelona with his performances between the sticks and is a guaranteed starter.

As for the defensive line, Gerard Martin has shown he can be a reliable option as a centre-back and is expected to continue in the makeshift role once again, pairing up with Pau Cubarsi.

It would mean Andreas Christensen will once again have to stay on the bench and hope for minutes in the second half.

Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will line up as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively, for the reigning Spanish champions.

Midfield

Eric Garcia and Pedri to pair up in midfield again? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong has recovered from a fever and is back in the squad, but Hansi Flick hinted that he might not be ready to start the game.

As such, the likely outcome is that Pedri, a permanent fixture in the team, will be paired up with Eric Garcia, whose renewal until 2031 was announced on Friday, in the middle of the park for Barcelona.

Moving further up, Dani Olmo’s absence leaves the No. 10 spot open. Under normal circumstances, Fermin Lopez would be the obvious replacement, but he has only returned from an injury and needs to be managed carefully.

Hence, Raphinha, who excelled against Atletico Madrid, is expected to move from his usual position on the left to operate more centrally tonight against Betis.

Attack

Lamine Yamal is a certain starter for Barcelona on the right flank, although Hansi Flick will have to keep an eye on his workload, even more so given the importance of the next game against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League.

The same applies to Robert Lewandowski as well, and as such, the veteran superstar could be benched tonight to make way for Ferran Torres, who scored a goal after coming on in the win over Atletico Madrid.

Finally, with Raphinha taking up a central position, Marcus Rashford should get the nod on the left wing for Barcelona.