Rashford, Cancelo start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Albacete | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be looking to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey when they take on Albacete tonight in the quarter-finals.

The Blaugrana, who began the tournament in the Round of 32, saw off lower-league side Guadalajara 2-0, before beating Racing Santander by the same scoreline in the Round of 16.

The current holders of the Copa del Rey trophy will now face an Albacete side that has knocked out two La Liga teams in the competition already, including Real Madrid, whom they defeated 3-2 at home in the previous round.

So, even though Hansi Flick & co. go into the game tonight at Estadio Carlos Belmonte as favourites, it will not be a walk in the park, and the minnows will take the fight to them.

Barcelona will have to make do without some key players for the match as key winger Raphinha has been ruled out due to an overload, while Pedri also remains unavailable through injury. Gavi and Andreas Christensen are also sidelined.

Here’s how Flick is likely to set his team up tonight against Albacete in the cup quarter-final tie, with some rotations expected.

Defence

Joan Garcia started the previous cup tie against Racing Santander and is expected to get the nod once again ahead of veteran shot-stopper and second choice, Wojciech Szczesny.

Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo, who returned to Barcelona on loan during the January transfer window, is set to start at right-back, allowing Jules Kounde to take a rest. On the opposite flank, Gerard Martin should get the nod, with Alejandro Balde getting a breather.

Cancelo in line to start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As for the central defence, captain Ronald Araujo, who has barely featured since returning from his mental health break, could be in line to start in the cup tie tonight. The Uruguayan international will likely be paired up with mainstay Pau Cubarsi.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong absolutely bossed the proceedings this past weekend against Elche and will once again be Barcelona’s main man in midfield in the absence of Pedri.

However, there will be a change of partners for the Dutchman as youngster Marc Bernal, who has seen his involvement increase slowly in recent weeks, should be in line for a start after some impressive displays off the bench.

Dani Olmo, who played in a deeper midfield role against Elche, will move to his natural position as a No. 10, with Fermin Lopez getting a breather.

Youngster Tommy Marques, who has been patiently waiting for his first-team debut, could finally get his chance off the bench, depending on the game-state.

Attack

Raphinha’s absence due to overload clears the way for Marcus Rashford, who has made vital contributions in the final third for Barcelona, to get a rare starting opportunity.

Meanwhile, Roony Bardghji, who has also been starved of regular minutes, should get an opportunity tonight against Albacete on the right flank, ensuring Lamine Yamal gets some rest.

Up top, Robert Lewandowski could come in for Ferran Torres, who started as the No. 9 for Barcelona at the weekend against Elche.