How Barcelona could line up against Atletico Madrid in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will now welcome Atletico Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou for their next game in La Liga. Both teams are fighting for that top spot in the league, one that is currently occupied by Hansi Flick’s team, and will do anything to ensure that they reach it or retain it in Barça’s case.

Fortunately for the German coach, many of his most important players are now available and no longer sidelined. This factor, on its own, is crucial and should allow the Barça coach to field a strong and effective starting lineup.

Here is how the Catalan club’s starting eleven could look against Atletico Madrid.

Predicted Barcelona Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Undisputed in between the sticks, Joan Garcia has already established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football right now. Hopefully, he is able to save Barça from Atletico Madrid’s persistent attacks as well,

Right-back: Eric Garcia

With Jules Kounde not exactly performing at the level that he should be performing at consistently, Eric Garcia might end up starting as the right-back for Barça. Both his intensity and pressure are great assets, and they might be crucial against a side that thrives thanks to the same traits.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Thanks to his vision and elite ball-playing ability, Pau Cubarsi is a real ace up the sleeve for Barcelona. Even if the midfield is locked down and unable to create something, Cubarsi has the ability to pitch in and disrupt entire opposition structures with his line-breaking passes.

Centre-back: Gerard Martin

So far this season, the Spanish defender has done well as the left-sided centre-back. It provides a bit more stability and balance to the backline, so it might not be a bad idea to have him start this game.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

With his pace and explosive qualities, Alejandro Balde can be a real threat on the left flank on his day. If he can link up well with his teammates, he could create some real headaches for Diego Simeone’s side.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

The Dutchman did not play in the previous game, and it should mean that he will be well-rested for this particular La Liga encounter. Flick will need Frenkie de Jong to be at his best for this game, and that could make a big difference.

CDM: Pedri

His second-half display from the last game clearly showed just how much Barça missed Pedri while he was sidelined, and he is now expected to start for the Catalan giants in this crucial league fixture.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

Dazzling in his previous game for Barça, the young winger managed to get a goal and an assist. However, this will be a much tougher test, and he will need to be at his best for it.

CAM: Dani Olmo

With Fermin Lopez sidelined for now, Dani Olmo seems to be the most likely candidate to start as the attacking midfielder for Barça. Fortunately, after his previous performance, he seems to be enjoying some good form right now.

LAM: Raphinha

There is no denying the intensity and commitment of the Brazilian forward, something that had been missing while he was out injured. Now that he is back, however, he is certainly making a difference in some crucial ways.

The Polish goalscorer has been itching to find the back of the net again, and this might be just the game to do it, considering what is at stake and just how important he can be on his day.