De Jong, Lewandowski start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Newcastle | OneFootball

FC Barcelona begin their quest to win the UEFA Champions League later tonight when they take on Newcastle United in their first ‘league phase’ match.

The contest at St. James’ Park comes days after the La Liga champions thrashed Valencia 6-0 in La Liga and will hope to carry the momentum forward.

Facing Newcastle in their own backyard at St. James’ Park is not an easy challenge, though, and Hansi Flick will need his players to be at their best on the night.

The absence of players like Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Balde will certainly be a blow for the Blaugrana. But there is some good news as Frenkie de Jong has recovered from his minor injury and is back in the squad.

Flick has some major decisions to make with regard to his team selection for tonight, and here’s how he could set his Barcelona side up against Eddie Howe’s men.

Defence

Joan Garcia has been a major positive at the start of the season for Barcelona, and will make his UEFA Champions League debut against Newcastle tonight.

As for the defensive line, Jules Kounde has once again reclaimed his spot at right-back and should get the nod at St. James’ Park. Alejandro Balde’s injury-enforced absence means Gerard Martin becomes the automatic pick at left-back.

The centre-back department is where Flick has some major decisions to make – with four players vying for two spots.

Pau Cubarsi has been a regular fixture under Flick and is expected to feature tonight as well. As for his partner, while Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen make a good case for themselves, Ronald Araujo could edge them out to tackle the threat of Nick Woltemade.

Midfield

Back and ready to start. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The second selection conundrum that Flick has to face ahead of tonight’s game is in the midfield department.

While Pedri is a permanent fixture in the lineup, the question remains as to who will partner him in the double pivot.

Marc Casado started and put in a brilliant display against Valencia over the weekend, but with Frenkie de Jong returning, the Dutchman’s experience gives him the edge for the high-profile Champions League clash.

Fermin Lopez was at his best against Valencia on Sunday, scoring two goals and causing problems for the defence. As such, he should once again start ahead of Dani Olmo in the attacking midfield position.

Attack

Lamine Yamal’s absence is a concern, but Barcelona have the tools to cope, as was seen against Valencia.

Roony Bardghji was the preferred starter against Valencia last weekend, but Raphinha, who scored a brace after coming on as a substitute, should get the nod on the right flank tonight.

It would mean that Marcus Rashford keeps his place on the left flank on his return to England, hoping to prove a point against the Premier League club.

Ferran Torres has started each of Barcelona’s four games this season as the centre-forward and done well. But, Robert Lewandowski should make his first start of the campaign tonight, after scoring two goals in the Valencia victory.