How Barcelona could line up against Racing Santander | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are preparing to take on their next challenge in the Copa del Rey as they travel to Cantabria to face Racing Santander, the current leaders of the Segunda Division.

This is a match the Catalan giants cannot afford to take lightly, especially as they aim to defend their title and maintain momentum under Hansi Flick.

Playing away from home adds an extra layer of difficulty, making it essential for the German coach to field a strong starting eleven capable of handling this unique cup challenge.

Predicted Barcelona line-up against Racing Santander

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

With Flick stating that Joan Garcia will likely play in this game, it becomes a no-brainer for the Spaniard to be starting in between the sticks. His recent performances have been game-winning at times, and that is exactly what Barcelona needs from him.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman simply needs to do better, and with Joao Cancelo now back as well, his performances might even be judged more critically if he continues to underperform.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Always assured on the ball, Pau Cubarsi offers a lot of quality on the ball. However, his recent performances have been somewhat worrying, and the young Spanish defender needs to sort out the issues quickly.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

Having returned from his recent hiatus of sorts, Ronald Araujo played a few minutes against Real Madrid in the recent game. However, if Flick wants him to have starting minutes at any point, this game would be a good chance to do so.

Left-back: Gerard Martin

Not having started the last game, Gerard Martin will likely be in the starting eleven for this game. His record has been solid so far this season, so Hansi Flick should not have too many doubts about the quality and reliability he offers.

CDM: Eric Garcia

Flick’s trusty lieutenant, Eric Garcia, has consistently been present in the team’s starting lineups recently and for good reason. This seems like yet another game where he should be starting again.

CDM: Pedri

Always the focal point for Barça in any game, Pedri simply runs the midfield and the overall progression of play for Hansi Flick’s team. If he ends up starting this game, he would undeniably improve the performance of the whole team around him as well.

RAM: Roony Bardghji

There is no denying the quality that the Swedish winger possesses, and he has delivered almost every single time that Hansi Flick has called on him to do so. This game seems to be perfect for him to start again.

CAM: Dani Olmo

So far, following his return from injury, Dani Olmo has impressed whenever he has played. With Fermin Lopez having started the previous game, this might be a chance for Hansi Flick to start Olmo instead.

LAM: Marcus Rashford

Exciting glimpses are more or less all that Marcus Rashford has shown for himself recently, but perhaps a start here in the Copa del Rey might do him some good.

Centre-forward: Ferran Torres

The Spanish forward did not start the previous game against Real Madrid, so it might be a good opportunity for Hansi Flick to trust him with a place in the starting eleven now.