Pedri, Raphinha start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Newcastle United | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will step onto the pitch at St James’ Park for a second time this season when they take on Newcastle United tonight in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

The Blaugrana already took on the Magpies in the league phase of the competition earlier in the season, securing a 2-1 victory courtesy of a Marcus Rashford brace.

Hansi Flick & co. will enter the stadium with the aim of returning home with a similar outcome, allowing them to take a step towards the quarterfinals of the competition.

Barcelona go into the game without some important players such as Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen.

But having managed to rotate his squad to some degree over the weekend against Athletic Club, Flick will be confident of the team getting a positive result against Eddie Howe’s men.

With that in mind, here’s how the reigning La Liga champions could set up against the Premier League outfit at St James’ Park tonight.

Defence

Joan Garcia had an excellent game on his previous trip to Tyneside in the league phase. A guaranteed starter in the Barcelona goal, he will be hoping to secure a clean sheet this time around against Newcastle United.

With no Kounde and Balde, Flick is expected to continue with the full-back pairing of Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo on the right and left sides, respectively, like he did in the game against Athletic Club over the weekend.

As for the centre-back partnership, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin are expected to start once again despite the temptation of going in with Ronald Araujo to add a more physical presence on the pitch.

Midfield

Set to reclaim his starting berth. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Pedri was not part of the starting XI against Athletic Club over the weekend, but came on at half-time after the team struggled to get going in his absence.

The Spanish midfield maestro will start from the get-go tonight against Newcastle United and will be key for Barcelona to secure a victory.

Marc Bernal, who has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks, ought to partner with Pedri, having recovered from the stomach issue that led to his substitution at half-time in the Athletic Club encounter.

Moving up, Fermin Lopez ought to replace Dani Olmo in the No. 10 position for the Blaugrana, with his performances in this season’s Champions League impressing heavily.

Attack

Raphinha was not part of the starting XI at San Mames over the weekend, but is expected to start from kick-off tonight, meaning Marcus Rashford, who was Barcelona’s match-winner last time around at St James’ Park, will miss out.

On the opposite flank, there is simply no looking past superstar winger Lamin Yamal, who will need to keep his discipline, as another booking tonight will earn him a one-match suspension.

Ferran Torres is expected to get the nod ahead of Robert Lewandowski as the centre-forward once again for Barcelona.