Frenkie, Olmo and Fermin in a 4-3-3 – How Barcelona can lineup against Real Oviedo | OneFootball

After facing a shock defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad, Barcelona will look to return to winning ways in La Liga as they take on Real Oviedo on Sunday.

The Catalans had regained winning momentum in midweek, securing a 4-2 win over Slavia Praha in the Champions League. Hansi Flick’s side will look to replicate that momentum against a Oviedo side glued to the rock bottom of the table.

Prior to Barça’s defeat to Sociedad, the Catalans were on a run of 11-game winning streak, which saw Flick match the record set by Luis Enrique’s Barcelona team during the 2014/15 campaign.

However, Barcelona will have little regard for past records and will focus solely on gaining three points as they look to fend off a resurgent Real Madrid side.

Heading into this game, Barcelona have were dealt with an injury blow, with star midfielder Pedri being ruled out for a month.

The Spanish international joins Ferran Torres, Gavi and Andreas Christensen on the list of players unavailable for Barça this weekend.

Keeping that in mind, here’s how Barcelona could line up against Real Oviedo at the iconic Camp Nou on Sunday.

Defence

While Flick could be forced to make some changes in midfield, defence shouldn’t be a worry for the German tactician.

Joan Garcia has been in sublime form in between the sticks and will look to continue that momentum. He will be hopeful for a clean sheet this weekend, knowing Oviedo have only managed to score 11 goals in 20 matches this season – lowest in the league.

While there is a possibility Eric Garcia might be shifted to midfield in order to accommodate for Pedri’s injury, we believe the Spaniard could continue at centre-back alongside Pau Cubarsi.

Elsewhere in the defensive line, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are likely to continue operating as fullbacks, although it is about time both step up their game.

Kounde, in particular, must offer more going forward and provide more consistency in the right-back area, especially now that Joao Cancelo is here to give him tough competition.

Midfield

Midfield will be a pain point for Barcelona due to the absence of Pedri, who has been ruled out for a month.

De Jong’s presence will be key due to the absence of Pedri. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Marc Casado is an obvious replacement option in the middle of the park while Eric Garcia can always be deployed in a midfield role as well.

However, Flick might fancy the option of having a more attacking midfield lineup against Real Oviedo, with Frenkie de Jong being a surefire starter.

The Dutchman has been suspended for the next Champions League game on Wednesday, meaning Flick is sure to utilise his services for the entirety of the game.

De Jong could be be partnered by Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez in the middle of the park, in sort of a 4-3-3 formation. This is a more attacking setup which makes sense against a Girona side likely to defend in deep block.

The creative utility of Fermin, coupled with Olmo’s ability to operate in tight spaces, therefore, could be critical in supplying the frontline.

Attack

Speaking of the front lines, Lamine Yamal is back in contention for Hansi Flick after missing the midweek contest.

The Spanish international is likely to continue his attacking partnership with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, forming the three-pronged Barcelona attack.

Flick has enough resources on the bench, including Marcus Rashford and fellow summer signing Roony Bardghji.