FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is expected to immediately field Eric Garcia at right back, after the Spain World Cup winner received medical clearance for Sunday night’s mouthwatering tie at the Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan leaders are currently two points clear of the Rojiblancos, who can move top with a win over a side they knocked out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey last season.
Advertisement
Real Madrid is also equal with Barca on points after wins in El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou and Valencia Saturday night. All in all, this is a must-win assignment for Flick and Co, who aim to make it three Spanish top title triumphs on the trot.
The German’s back line has been hit with a number of injuries as of late, which has led to fielding the likes of Brian Farinas and handing the La Masia graduate his debut during a 6-1 thrashing of Alaves last time out in the league.
While Joan Garcia picks himself between the sticks, Flick is expected to go with a back line of Eric, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo from left to right.
Rodri is tipped to be out for up to a month injured after leaving the midweek Champions League win at Aston Villa’s expense prematurely.
Advertisement
In the midfield then, Marc Bernal is rewarded for impressive minutes replacing Rodri against the Brummies, by partnering Pedri in a double pivot.
With Dani Olmo also sidelined, it’s Fermin Lopez at CAM while striker Raphinha is flanked by wingers Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal
What FC Barcelona coach Flick said
“Every game is important. In La Liga there are three or four big teams that are very close in the table. It’s important to win in Madrid and that’s our goal. We’ll give everything to win this match, but La Liga is long. For me it is clear. We want to go there and win, but it will be tough because they are a great team.”
Advertisement
FC Barcelona expected XI: Joan; Cancelo, Martin, Cubarsi, Eric; Bernal, Pedri; Lamine, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha
FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid kicks off at 21:00 local time in Spain.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
