Flick’s one selection dilemma ahead of Newcastle United vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Hansi Flick has very few doubts about the starting lineup for FC Barcelona against Newcastle United tonight in the UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 first leg.

With the confirmed absences of Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong, the options for rotating the team are reduced, and only the defence still carries a small question mark because of the opponent’s profile.

Barcelona will face a team that stands out for its physical presence. Players such as striker Nick Woltemade, centre-back Dan Burn, or midfielder Joelinton are just some examples of the aerial strength of the English side.

Despite that threat, everything suggests that Flick will once again rely on the same defensive line that started the match against Athletic Club, reports SPORT.

Eric Garcia would repeat at right-back, while Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin would form the centre-back partnership. Joao Cancelo would occupy the left-back position.

The big question mark

Will Araujo start? (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The big uncertainty is what role awaits Ronald Araujo in this match. His attributes suit this kind of encounter perfectly, and he also delivered a great performance in the same stadium a few months ago, but he has mainly been an occasional option for Flick.

The German coach has not relied heavily on the Uruguayan to have him at his best for Tuesday’s match.

In the last two games, for example, he was used in a creative role as a makeshift No. 9 against Atletico Madrid and had only a minimal presence at San Mames.

If Flick were to include Araújo in the centre of defence, Cancelo would drop out of the starting lineup, and Gerard Martin would move to the left-back position. Araujo’s inclusion would also force Cubarsi to play as the left-sided centre-back.

So, this presents a major dilemma for Flick – whether to start Araujo at the expense of Cancelo or stick with the defence that worked well for them in the past few games.