Barca News Network
·15 December 2024
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Yahoo sportsBarca News Network
·15 December 2024
FC Barcelona look set to take on Leganes for their next clash in La Liga. Still at the top of the league, La Blaugrana now have a golden opportunity to temporarily extend their advantage over second-placed Real Madrid. Still, this could be a game where Barcelona decide to make some rotations.
Given that the team has to play a lot of matches over the course of this season, it would make sense for Hansi Flick to consider some rotations if possible. At the same time, however, he cannot field a starting eleven that does not have the tools to secure all three points.
Here is how Barcelona could line up for this game.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
On an individual level, Inaki Pena continues to deliver strong performance after strong performance. The Spaniard has given Hansi Flick absolutely no reason to see his faith in him waiver even slightly, and he will continue to occupy that spot in between the sticks for the foreseeable future.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Hansi Flick’s reliable French defender seems to need no rest as he continues to perform well for the team. The occasional blunders can be forgiven quite easily given the kind of performances he gives to the team in each and every match.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi While Hansi Flick has already confirmed that Ronald Araujo will be taking part in this game, the German coach may end up being a bit careful with his participation. For that reason, there is a good chance that Pau Cubarsi ends up starting this game despite the Uruguayan’s availability.
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
With the same reasoning that was applied to Pau Cubarsi starting, Inigo Martinez may end up having to start this match as well. While Araujo could likely mark his return as a substitute later on, Flick will most probably continue depending on his trusted centre-back duo.
Left-back: Alejandro Balde
His speed and technical ability can really come in handy for Barcelona when they need to increase their tempo. Even though his crossing ability could still use some work, Alejandro Balde has the quality to create some great chances as well.
CDM: Marc Casado
His strength, aggression, tenacity, and technical brilliance all combine to make Marc Casado as capable as he is. Always aware of his positioning and a true leader on the pitch despite his age, he truly is an extension of the coach out there and will be looking to mark his presence if he starts.
CDM: Gavi
A player who could end up being rested for this game is Pedri, and that will depend on how careful Hansi Flick wants to be with his fitness. However, luckily for Barcelona, Gavi is available and ready to start. The Spaniard himself is no slouch, and possesses elite technical abilities and undeniable creativity as well.
RAM: Lamine Yamal
The boy wonder continues to be there for Barcelona whenever they need him, and sometimes it is him alone who makes magic on the field happen. Easily one of the most influential players in world football right now, and he could have the opportunity to prove that once again in the clash against Leganes.
CAM: Dani Olmo
The thing that makes Dani Olmo so unbelievably important for this team is his ability to make things happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it be his perfectly weighted passes or his ability to glide into dangerous space, he is always an asset for Hansi Flick’s team.
LAM: Pau Victor
It is no secret that Raphinha has played a lot of minutes for Barcelona this season and has been a player that has been tasked with a lot of responsibilities. For that reason, maybe it is finally time to give him some rest and give a younger player like Pau Victor a chance to showcase his worth.
Given the kind of success that Ferran Torres in enjoying these days in front of goal, perhaps it is time to give Robert Lewandowski some rest and give the Spaniard another chance to prove himself as the team’s primary centre-forward.