Barcelona Turns to Rising Star Cubarsi as Defensive Crisis Forces Lineup Shake-Up Against Celta Vigo
Barcelona return to action seeking to recover from a frustrating Champions League display as they travel to face Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.
Hansi Flick's team was forced to equalize three separate times to secure a 3–3 stalemate in their European encounter with Club Brugge during the week. The display heightened scrutiny of Barcelona's defensive tactics, though Flick maintains he won't adopt a more cautious approach.
Adding to the German's challenges, Eric García sustained a broken nose and remains doubtful for Sunday's fixture. With Barcelona's extensive injury list, Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araújo represent the only available center-backs in Flick's squad.
Barcelona have struggled to secure victories on the road in their previous three outings, and haven't claimed back-to-back La Liga wins since the end of September. Victory against Celta would halt both unwanted runs, something the defending Spanish champions desperately require in their pursuit of Real Madrid.
Here's how Barcelona might set up for their last match before the November international window.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Celta Vigo (4-2-3-1)
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny—The experienced keeper almost handed Club Brugge the victory with a costly error in the closing stages. However, with Joan García still not completely fit, he'll retain his position in goal.
RB: Jules Koundé—The absence of adequate cover ensures Koundé will feature despite enduring significant difficulties for most of the campaign.
CB: Ronald Araújo—Araújo will lead Barcelona as captain against Celta. The Uruguayan has found it challenging to secure a regular starting position.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—A poor showing in El Clásico resulted in Cubarsí being benched for Barcelona's previous two matches. With García's availability uncertain, the youngster will rejoin the starting eleven hoping his brief absence helped him regain his form.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Balde endured a defensive disaster in the previous outing. Nevertheless, he impressed in Barcelona's victory over Elche seven days earlier, recording his first goal contribution of the campaign.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—De Jong will serve as Barcelona's midfield foundation. He's remained among Barça's most reliable performers this season, despite the injuries and turmoil surrounding the team.
CM: Dani Olmo—Flick utilized Olmo in Pedri's position during his second-half substitute appearance against Club Brugge. Marc Casadó has struggled to make an impact partnering with De Jong.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Yamal delivered his finest performance midweek in the Champions League. Energy, courage and skill were evident throughout as he caused problems all evening.
AM: Fermín López—The La Masia product has been exceptional since recovering from injury, contributing eight goal involvements across his last four outings.
LW: Marcus Rashford—The Man Utd loan signing has registered a goal involvement in five of Barcelona's most recent six league fixtures. With Raphinha still recovering, Rashford gets another start.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Two muscle problems have hindered the veteran forward this season. He'll receive his first start since late September as he searches for his fifth league strike of the campaign.
