Barcelona predicted XI vs Elche: Araujo starts, €30m player replaces Pedri | OneFootball

FC Barcelona welcome Elche to the Montjuic Stadium for their next game in La Liga. However, despite the fact that both Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned from injury, the team is still missing some key players.

The most notable absentees are obviously Raphinha and Pedri, but Hansi Flick will now have to improvise without them. Here is how Barça could line up for the fixture against Elche up next.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

He had a solid outing against Real Madrid in the last game and was arguably one of Barça’s better performers.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

So far this season, Jules Kounde has been a bit inconsistent. Fortunately, however, he has the quality and mentality to figure things out and find his own best version again this season before it is too late.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

The Uruguayan defender delivered a solid outing against Real Madrid in his previous appearance when he was brought on, and that should be enough justification for him to start here.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

So far, it has been difficult for Pau Cubarsi to fully settle due to the uncertainty of Hansi Flick’s defensive structure. With his partner in defense constantly changing, the youngster needs some stability to fully assert himself at Barcelona again.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

A bit inconsistent this season so far, but Alejandro Balde remains one of Barça’s most effective weapons. He needs to find his best version again soon, and playing more will certainly help with that.

With Pedri now sidelined, others will need to step up in midfield. One possible candidate to do that is Marc Casado, and the €30 million-rated Spaniard, as per his Transfermarkt valuation, has proven in the past that he can do that if needed.

Even though Pedri is currently out injured, Frenkie de Jong is still available and will now have to deal with more responsibility. Fortunately for Barça, he has the quality to manage those responsibilities that he will be tasked with.

With the young winger now determined to prove his doubters wrong, this could be a good game for Lamine Yamal to show his best version again after some frustrating performances.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

Scored the only goal for Barcelona against Real Madrid, but his decision-making could have been much better. Fortunately, he now has a chance to improve and avoid similar mistakes if he starts this game.

The English forward remains consistent and continues to deliver for Barça. While the situation of his stay beyond this season is yet to be sorted,  he should be a great option to start this game.

Even though Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are back in the squad, it might be safer to start Ferran Torres for now. However, the Spaniard will need to do much better than he did in his last appearance.