Araujo, Bardghji start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Racing Santander | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will square off against Racing Santander later tonight in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Fresh off their Spanish Super Cup triumph, where they beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the final, Hansi Flick & co. will be gunning to extend their positive run of form, having secured ten wins in a row in all competitions.

However, playing away at Estadio Sardinero against a Racing Santander side that is currently the best team in La Liga 2 can prove to be a tricky task.

After all, the lower league outfit, buoyed by their home support, will come out all guns blazing and secure an upset win, much like Albacete did with Real Madrid last night.

Barcelona go into the game with a nearly full-strength squad as Gavi and Andreas Christensen are the only two senior players unavailable. Pedro ‘Dro’ Hernandez will also miss the game due to discomfort. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is suspended.

There will be rotations, with Flick expected to rest some of his heavy-hitters, keeping an eye on the packed schedule ahead. Having said so, here’s how Barcelona could line up against Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey.

Defence

Barcelona’s previous cup tie against Guadalajara CF saw club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen make his first and only appearance of the season so far. However, tonight, Flick is expected to stick with his regular first-choice in goal, Joan Garcia.

There will be alterations in defence, with Ronald Araujo expected to start after having made his comeback against Real Madrid, following an extended layoff due to mental health reasons.

It should allow the manager to rest Pau Cubarsi, who has been playing relentlessly and has seen his form dip a little. Meanwhile, Gerard Martin should start as the left-sided centre-back after being benched in the last two matches.

Gerard Martin likely to start at CB. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Barcelona have signed Joao Cancelo on loan, providing an added option in the full-back positions. However, the 31-year-old has had only one training session with the team and is unlikely to start.

Therefore, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are expected to continue as the two full-backs, with Cancelo likely to come on for one of them later on in the game.

Midfield

Pedri has been a permanent fixture in midfield for Barcelona when fit and available, and that is something that Flick is unlikely to change. Even more so, considering that Frenkie de Jong is ruled out of the game because of a one-match ban after his red card vs Real Madrid.

As for Pedri’s partner, Marc Casado, who has seemingly fallen out of favour in recent weeks, could get a rare starting opportunity to rediscover his form.

Eric Garcia and Marc Bernal will be options from the bench for Flick, with the latter, in particular, hopeful of gaining more minutes amid talks of a potential loan exit. Young Tommy Marques will also be waiting for his debut.

Meanwhile, Dani Olmo should replace Fermin Lopez as the No. 10 for Barcelona.

Attack

Wholesale changes are likely in the frontline, with Marcus Rashford set to come into the team in place of Raphinha on the left, aiming to prove himself amid talks of a permanent transfer in the summer.

On the right side, Lamine Yamal will be given a breather, with Roony Bardghji, who excelled on his last start against Espanyol, set to be rewarded with another appearance from kickoff.

Up top, Ferran Torres is expected to come in for Robert Lewandowski, who started and scored in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid.