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

FC Barcelona square off against Newcastle United later today at the Spotify Camp Nou in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Having managed to return from the first leg at St James’ Park with only a 1-1 draw, the Blaugrana have to win today in order to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.

However, it could be easier said than done, considering that Newcastle United put up a solid fight in the first leg and go into the game high on confidence after beating Chelsea.

At the same time, though, Barcelona have an exceptional record since returning to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou in November, where they are unbeaten.

The Blaugrana prepared for the tie with a resounding 5-2 victory over Sevilla in La Liga over the weekend and will look to carry that momentum forward to eliminate Newcastle and progress in the European competition.

Hansi Flick & co. will have to do it without some important players, as Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde are all out injured, along with Andreas Christensen.

There will be some changes made to the starting XI that took the field against Sevilla, and here’s how Flick is likely to set his Barcelona team against Sevilla.

Defence

Joan Garcia is the permanent fixture in goal for Barça and that will not change today against Newcastle United, with the 24-year-old summer signing set to have a key role.

Meanwhile, in defence, Eric Garcia is expected to start at right-back in place of young Xavi Espart, who started against Sevilla.

Set to return. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Eric missed the first leg against Newcastle due to discomfort and was not risked over the weekend, but is set to return today. Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo will occupy the left flank and look to continue his recent rich vein of form.

At the heart of the defence, there is no looking past the pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, who have been very solid in recent matches.

Midfield

Moving to the midfield unit, with Frenkie de Jong still unavailable, Flick is expected to continue with the double pivot of Pedri and Marc Bernal, both of whom will be critical to Barcelona’s chances today.

Dani Olmo made a positive impact after coming on in the first leg against Newcastle and once again performed well upon starting vs Sevilla, staking a claim for a spot in the lineup for tonight.

However, Fermin Lopez, who has been one of Barcelona’s main goal contributors in 2026, is expected to get the nod as the No. 10.

Attack

Lamine Yamal got a rare breather over the weekend as Flick opted to rest him against Sevilla and start Roony Bardghji. But the 18-year-old sensation will reclaim his rightful spot on the right flank against Newcastle United today.

Meanwhile, on the right wing, Raphinha, coming on the back of a hat-trick against Sevilla, will continue on the left side ahead of Marcus Rashford.

Finally, Ferran Torres, well rested after barely playing in the first leg and not featuring at all over the weekend, is expected to replace Robert Lewandowski as the centre-forward.