Araujo out, €70 million player in – Predicted Barcelona starting XI for Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

A crucial fixture now awaits FC Barcelona as they are set to meet with Atletico Madrid once again. This time around, both sides will be meeting in the Copa del Rey semi-final to find out which of the two makes it to the final itself. Having met several times already this season, both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are well aware of their strengths.

However, given the importance of this game, neither side will look to take any chances. Diego Simeone be trying to field their strongest possible elevens, and Hansi Flick can be expected to do that as well for his Barcelona team.

Here is how the Catalan side could line up for the Copa del Rey encounter against Atletico Madrid.

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

Barcelona are yet to taste defeat this season whenever Wojciech Szczesny has started, and the Polish veteran is a great asset to have in the team. His confidence and experience are both of importance to this young team, and it continues to help them excel.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

Even without too much rest, Jules Kounde continues to perform at a high level. The Frenchman is essentially a guarantee for Hansi Flick in every game, and there seems to be no reason why he would not start this big encounter either.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young Spaniard has had a lot of rest recently, and if he is physically fit enough, this is the perfect moment to start him again. His ball-playing ability could prove to be crucial in terms of breaking down the Atletico Madrid structure.

While Araujo did perform well in recent games, the 18-year-old centre-back simply is Flick’s preferred choice alongside Inigo Martinez. Thus, it seems quite likely that the €70 million-rated defender, as per his Transfermarkt valuation, could start this game.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

Going from strength to strength this season, Inigo Martinez has proven just how valuable he is to this team. He performed exceptionally well in the last encounter against Atletico Madrid, and this could be yet another chance for him to do that.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

After having been rested for most of the game in the previous outing against Girona, Alejandro Balde should be ready to start this clash. His speed is an invaluable asset, and one that Hansi Flick will definitely want to use.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

Came on in the second half against Girona and put on quite the show. Frenkie de Jong has been exceptional this year, and the Dutchman’s performances almost make Barcelona look invincible at times. Having him in the starting eleven is always a great boost.

CDM: Pedri

The way Barcelona excels and functions is simply not possible without Pedri. His presence on the field, from his composure to his technical mastery of the ball, are simply essential to allowing Hansi Flick’s team to perform at their best possible level.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

Able to create something out of nothing, Lamine Yamal is a magician on the right wing. With him in the team, Barcelona always have a way of making things happen and it is clear to see that Hansi Flick counts on him a lot.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

With Dani Olmo currently being injured, Hansi Flick has to make a big decision regarding which player to field in his stead. While Hansi Flick has a good selection in terms of alternatives, Fermin Lopez is an effective option as well. His dynamism always comes in handy, and he has an eye for goal as well.

At last, this should be the game in which Raphinha finally makes his first appearance for Barcelona following the recent international break. He was reportedly fatigued previously, but the Brazilian forward should now hopefully have the energy to start this game.

Having scored a brace in his last game for Barcelona, and pulling off a crucial goal against Atletico Madrid in his last appearance against them, Robert Lewandowski seems to be getting his confidence back. For that reason, it would be odd to see Hansi Flick not count on him again.