for FC Barcelona in opposition to Newcastle United tonight within the UEFA Champions League Spherical-of-16 first leg.
With the confirmed absences of Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong, the choices for rotating the group are lowered, and solely the defence nonetheless carries a small query mark due to the opponent’s profile.
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Barcelona will face a group that stands out for its bodily presence. Gamers akin to striker Nick Woltemade, centre-back Dan Burn, or midfielder Joelinton are just a few examples of the aerial energy of the English aspect.
Regardless of that menace, every part means that Flick will as soon as once more depend on the identical defensive position that began the match in opposition to Athletic Membership, experiences .
Eric Garcia would repeat at right-back, whereas Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin would kind the centre-back partnership. Joao Cancelo would occupy the left-back place.
The large query mark
Will Araujo begin? (Photograph by Stuart Franklin/Getty Photographs)
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The large uncertainty is what function awaits Ronald Araujo on this match. His attributes go well with this type of encounter completely, and he additionally delivered an important efficiency in the identical stadium a number of months in the past, however he has primarily been an occasional choice for Flick.
The German coach has not relied closely on the Uruguayan to have him at his finest for Tuesday’s match.
Within the final two video games, for instance, he was utilized in a inventive function as a makeshift No. 9 in opposition to Atletico Madrid and had solely a minimal presence at San Mames.
If Flick have been to incorporate Araújo within the centre of defence, Cancelo would drop out of the beginning lineup, and Gerard Martin would transfer to the left-back place. Araujo’s inclusion would additionally drive Cubarsi to play because the left-sided centre-back.
So, this presents a serious dilemma for Flick – whether or not to begin Araujo on the expense of Cancelo or stick to the defence that labored nicely for them up to now few video games.
