Official: Barcelona name starting XI for Elche clash | La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be kicking off their game against Elche soon in La Liga. A crucial game, winning here is absolutely necessary for La Blaugrana if they want to retain their top spot in the Spanish First Division for now.

However, this is an away game, so the Catalan giants will need to stay on their toes at all times. Things can take an ugly turn instantly if they let their guard down, so Hansi Flick has decided to field a reliable starting eleven for the game.

Here is the official Barça line-up for this clash against Elche.

In goal, Joan Garcia starts as expected and the Spanish goalkeeper will be tasked with keeping Elche at bay. He has what it takes to ensure that, but he will need to stay on his toes to do so.

Ahead of him, Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia are the two players chosen to play as the team’s central defenders today. Both Spaniards will have to be extra careful, however, considering the risky style of play that Hansi Flick prefers.

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On the flanks, as is the case usually, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will start as the two full-backs. They will look to provide width and cover, so Barcelona will be relying on them to look after their respective flanks.

In the midfield, Frenkie de Jong returns to the starting eleven after having been suspended for the team’s last game in the UEFA Champions League. Alongside him, Dani Olmo starts in a deeper midfield role today.

Ahead of them, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha start as the two wingers and they will look to threaten Elche from there. In between them, Fermin Lopez starts as the central attacking midfielder.

As for the centre-forward, Ferran Torres is the man chosen to play in that role. Back in the starting eleven for this game, he replaces Polish veteran Robert Lewandowski in the process.