Eric, Lewandowski start in a 4-2-3-1- How Barcelona can line up against Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Barcelona will look to maintain their winning momentum in La Liga when they visit Balaídos to face Celta Vigo on Sunday. 

After a testing few weeks, Hansi Flick’s men are aiming to register back-to-back victories and close the gap at the top of the table as the race for the title begins to intensify.

Following Villarreal’s 2-0 triumph over Espanyol, the Catalan giants find themselves sitting third in the standings, five points behind league leaders Real Madrid. 

Despite a few setbacks, Barcelona have accumulated eight wins, one draw, and two losses from their opening 11 fixtures. 

The team has conceded 13 goals in 11 matches, an area the manager is keen to tighten up.

Celta Vigo, meanwhile, are going through a mixed campaign. They have managed to gather 13 points from their 11 games, positioning them in 13th place. 

Ahead of the trip, Flick admitted that his squad is feeling the strain from several key absences. 

However, they will still look to come back hom with all three points, and on that note, let’s take a look at how Barcelona could lineup against Celta Vigo.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny could make his final start against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In goal, Wojciech Szczesny is set to feature once again. With first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia expected to return after the international break, this clash could be the Polish veteran’s final start before stepping aside. 

The defensive setup presents one of Flick’s biggest dilemmas. 

Jules Kounde remains a doubt due to a foot injury sustained from a heavy challenge, while Eric Garcia will be forced to play with a protective mask after fracturing his nose in the Brugge clash. 

Given Flick’s comments in his pre-match press conference, Garcia is expected to start at right-back despite the discomfort.

In the centre of defence, Ronald Araujo is poised to return to the starting XI alongside young prodigy Pau Cubarsi. 

On the left, Alejandro Balde is certain to continue, providing pace and width from deep.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong will play Pedri’s role. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The midfield trio is expected to feature Marc Casado, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin Lopez. 

With Pedri still unavailable, Casado will anchor the midfield, offering defensive balance and control in possession. 

De Jong, meanwhile, will once again assume a more creative role, orchestrating play from deeper areas while driving the team forward.

There was speculation that Dani Olmo could start, but Flick appears inclined to stick with Fermin, whose energy and movement have brought an attacking spark to the team in recent weeks.

Attack

Lamine Yamal will retain his place. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Up front, the main question surrounds who will lead the line. Robert Lewandowski is the frontrunner to start as the central striker after recovering full fitness. 

The veteran forward has not featured in the starting XI for over a month and will be eager to rediscover his scoring rhythm.

On the flanks, Lamine Yamal is almost certain to keep his place after another dazzling performance in Bruges that reaffirmed his status as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. 

On the opposite side, Ferran Torres is likely to start, given his relentless pressing and work rate that suit Flick’s high-intensity approach. 

This could mean Marcus Rashford, despite his pedigree, may begin on the bench and be used as an impact substitute.