Barcelona predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade
Barcelona face their fourth Champions League clash of the season on Wednesday evening when they visit Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade.
Following a routine Catalan derby victory over Espanyol at the weekend, La Blaugrana extended their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points. The in-form outfit have now won six matches on the bounce in all competitions under Hansi Flick.
A disappointing ten-man defeat to Monaco in their Champions League opener has been followed by commanding victories over Young Boys and Bayern Munich, with Flick perhaps tempted to rest some of his busy first-teamers in the Serbian capital this midweek.
Here is how Barcelona could line up on Wednesday.
GK: Inaki Pena – Pena enjoyed a largely uneventful afternoon at the weekend and will hope for a similarly quiet evening on Wednesday. The Serbian side have averaged just 2.7 shots on target per match in the Champions League to date.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde was handed a rest at the weekend as young Hector Fort replaced him in victory over local rivals Espanyol. The Frenchman should be more active in the Red Star half than his own.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The 17-year-old won’t have experienced many atmospheres more hostile than the Rajko Mitic Stadium on a European night. However, the centre-back is seldom flustered on the big stage.
CB: Inigo Martinez – Martinez has been in impressive form for Barca, capitalising on injuries to Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. The experienced defender has been the perfect foil for defensive partner Cubarsi.
LB: Alejandro Balde – The left-back has proved a menace in the final third over recent weeks and will be keen to make it three assists in a row when visiting Serbia. He’s started the last six matches for La Blaugrana.
DM: Gavi – Having spent just shy of a year on the sidelines, Gavi could make a first start since last November on Wednesday evening. The youngster has been understandably eased back into the equation with several short cameos so far.
DM: Marc Casado – Casado was exceptional in the victory over Espanyol, pulling the strings from deep positions and exhibiting his impressive La Masia training. Barca suddenly find themselves well-stocked in midfield with Frenkie de Jong now fit again.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The turbo-charged winger has scored or assisted in the four matches since the October international break and seems likely to contribute in the final third again in Belgrade.
AM: Fermin Lopez – Olmo produced a masterful performance at the weekend but Flick will be eager to keep the summer signing well-rested following an injury layoff earlier this term. Lopez could enter the fray on Wednesday and has been reliable when called upon this term.
LW: Ansu Fati – Minutes have been difficult to come by for Fati this season, who has only started in the 5-1 win over Sevilla. Raphinha is in scintillating form but could be rested for his younger teammate midweek.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Lewandowski had scored five in three matches before his weekend blank at Espanyol. That’s bad news for Red Star, who are likely to feel his wrath as a result.