Gavi, Ferran start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Celta Vigo | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be back in action tonight for the first time since their UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

The Blaugrana face Celta Vigo in La Liga at the Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to take a step closer towards lifting the title.

Barcelona came into the week with a nine-point lead at the top of the table, which was reduced to six last night as Real Madrid beat Alaves. However, a victory tonight over the Galicians will reinstate the Catalans hefty advantage.

Celta Vigo had pushed Barça hard in the reverse fixture, but a couple of late goals ensured that the league leaders came away with a 4-2 victory. And, Hansi Flick & co. will be hoping for the same outcome tonight.

Barcelona head into the contest without three players as Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal all miss out through injuries. Pau Cubarsi will be back in contention after missing the Atletico Madrid clash due to suspension.

With that being said, here’s how Flick is expected to set his team up against Claudio Giraldez’s Celta Vigo side tonight at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Defence

Joan Garcia has enjoyed a fine debut season for Barcelona and will be hoping to strengthen his chances of winning the Zamora Trophy with another strong display tonight.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde is expected to continue as the right-back for the Catalans, although he will have to keep his discipline as a booking could earn him a one-match suspension.

On the opposite flank, Joao Cancelo has become the preferred starter for Flick ahead of Alejandro Balde in recent weeks and that is unlikely to change against Celta.

Barcelona’s likely centre-back pairing vs Celta. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The returning Pau Cubarsi should walk back into the starting XI for what will be his 100th appearance for the team under Flick. He will likely be partnered with Eric Garcia, allowing Gerard Martin a rest.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong has been back from injury for a couple of weeks now and has seen his game time gradually increase. However, with Gavi putting in some strong displays in the last two matches on starting, he could once again get the nod in midfield tonight.

Pedri is an undisputed starter in midfield and will accompany his fellow Spaniard at the Spotify Camp Nou for the hosts.

In the attacking midfield position, though, there could be a change with Dani Olmo coming in at the expense of Fermin Lopez, who suffered a nasty cut on his face against Atletico Madrid and has only recently resumed training.

Attack

With no Raphinha, Marcus Rashford should get another shot at proving himself amid major question marks over Barcelona’s intention about signing him permanently for €30 million.

While the England international will occupy the left wing, Lamine Yamal will carry Barcelona’s biggest attacking threat from the right flank.

Up top, Ferran Torres, who scored and assisted a goal against Atletico last week, should get the nod ahead of Robert Lewandowski despite the veteran’s impressive record vs Celta.