Barcelona predicted XI vs Athletic Club: Joan Garcia returns, Olmo to start in deeper role | OneFootball

FC Barcelona finally return to the Spotify Camp Nou after years of waiting. For the big occasion, they will be welcoming Athletic Club to their iconic stadium for their latest La Liga fixture following the end of the recent international break.

Unfortunately for Hansi Flick, several key players are either unavailable or not yet ready to start. Still, he has a good enough squad at his disposal, bolstered by the return of a certain Spanish goalkeeper who looks set to start, to field a strong starting eleven.

Here is how Barça could line up against Athletic Club.

Predicted Barcelona Line-up vs Athletic Club:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Back at last, Joan Garcia is set to start this game. After recovering from an injury over the last few weeks, the Spaniard is finally ready to start in goal again for La Blaugrana.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman should be ready to start this game, and Flick will want him to be at his absolute best.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

In recent games, the Uruguayan defender has shown that he can be a real asset to the team both defensively and offensively. For that reason, he should get a chance to start this game.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

One of the very best when it comes to playing out from the back, Barça will need Cubarsi to be at his best in this game. As long as he is sharp, the Catalan giants should have a weapon that allows them to cut through Athletic Club’s structure.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

The electric left-back should offer a lot of energy and speed on his flank. His ability to carry the ball forward could also prove to be a useful asset.

CDM: Marc Casado

With both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong unavailable for this game, Barça will definitely need alternative options. Fortunately, Marc Casado has proven time and time again that he can do a great job in midfield.

CM: Dani Olmo

When he was played in a deeper role recently, he did a good enough job. If that is what Flick wants to go for this time as well, Olmo could prove to be a reliable option in midfield.

CM: Fermin Lopez

Still going strong in a more offensive midfield role, Fermin Lopez shows no signs of stopping. Both his intensity and goalscoring instinct could be extremely valuable against Athletic Club as well.

Right-winger: Lamine Yamal

If there is one player in this team who can conjure up something special out of nothing, it is Lamine Yamal most of the time. As long as he is ready to start, Flick should feel confident about his team.

Left-winger: Ferran Torres 

The Spaniard remains a great asset under Flick’s guidance thanks to his versatility in attack. Moreover, he has the ability to make a difference at any given moment.

Scored a hat-trick in his previous game for FC Barcelona and has been solid enough for Poland as well. The Polish ace should be starting this game based on both necessity and merit as well.