Barcelona predicted starting XI vs Albacete | Copa del Rey | OneFootball

FC Barcelona now turn their attention to the Copa del Rey, where they will face Albacete away from home. A challenging fixture in front of an intimidating crowd, La Blaugrana cannot afford to be complacent at any point during the game.

After all, this is the same side that defeated Real Madrid in this competition and eliminated them in the previous round. Fortunately, even with potential rotations, Hansi Flick has a strong squad at his disposal to select a reliable starting XI for this encounter.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for the match.

Predicted Barcelona XI vs Albacete:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

The Spanish goalkeeper remains the undisputed starter in between the sticks for Barça across all competitions. He has been delivering some top performances this season, and it is no surprise that he remains Hansi Flick’s most trusted option in goal.

Right-back: Eric Garcia

While Jules Kounde should be ready to take part in this game, it might be a better idea to take some precautions and rest him. In his stead, Eric Garcia has proven himself to be a reliable option on the right flank.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

The Uruguayan defender might be ready to start this game, and that would allow other defenders to get some rest as well if Hansi Flick decides to rotate his team for this game.

Centre-back: Gerard Martin

Gerard Martin could be a good option to start this game if Flick decides to rest Pau Cubarsi. However, it is difficult to pin down exactly which players Flick will start in defense for this game.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo

The Portuguese full-back could be a good option to replace Alejandro Balde in this game if Hansi Flick decides to rest the latter. However, if Cancelo does start, he will need to be extra careful about his defensive duties as well.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

Brilliantly controlled the game in his previous showing against Elche and ran the midfield for Barça. More of that will be needed here, so the Dutchman should be starting this game as well.

CDM: Marc Bernal

With Pedri still sidelined, Barcelona will need to rely on alternative options to fill that void. So far, at least from a creative standpoint, Marc Bernal has done a relatively good job in midfield and might get to start this game.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The young winger has been phenomenal so far this season, and Flick will be counting on him to continue that impressive form. In a game like this, he could prove to be essential to Barça’s chances of winning.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

While he might not have had the best of games in his recent showing against Elche, Fermin Lopez always tends to shine in cup games. Considering Albacete’s formidable mentality and structure, Lopez might be the kind of disruptive force that Flick needs for this game.

LAM: Marcus Rashford

With Raphinha sidelined, this should be a good opportunity for Marcus Rashford to start. The English forward has had good cameos recently, but this will likely be a chance for him to start and showcase more of his quality.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

Ferran Torres left a lot to be desired with his finishing in the previous game, so it might be a good time to test out Robert Lewandowski in this game. The Polish ace has always been renowned for his finishing, and Barcelona could really use some of that quality.