Flick to make two key changes to the Barcelona lineup vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

After securing a comprehensive 5-2 victory over Sevilla at the weekend, Barcelona will shift their focus back to the Champions League.

The Catalans have their task cut out against Newcastle United, having drawn in the first leg at St. James’ Park.

Team selection will be important as Barça are coming into this game on the back of a gruelling schedule. Flick, therefore, will have to make some tough decisions.

Two key changes expected

According to SPORT, Flick is expected to make two changes in the Barcelona team this midweek, as they take on Newcastle United.

One of them could come in defence. Eric Garcia was rested against Sevilla and could not feature in the first leg due to an overload.

This had allowed Ronald Araujo to get a look in at St James’ Park. However, that is unlikely to be repeated, meaning Garcia should come back into the defence.

Eric Garcia will return to the starting eleven. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

He is likely to start as a right-back, with Flick unlikely to take any risks with youngster Xavi Espart while Jules Kounde is injured.

Joao Cancelo, therefore, will continue at left-back, with Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin operating in central defence.

Another key selection dilemma comes in midfield. Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez are vying for a place in the starting eleven.

As per the report, Flick is likely to prefer Olmo over Fermin, as the former RB Leipzig star has shown good form and even scored a goal in the win over Sevilla.

Olmo will be support the attacking trifecta of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, with Pedri and Marc Bernal holding the fort in the middle of the park.