How will Barcelona line up against Atlético Madrid?
· Yahoo Sports
Barcelona look to perform a miracle and reach the Copa del Rey Final as the Blaugrana face Atlético Madrid in their semi-final second leg at Camp Nou trying to overturn a 4-0 deficit from the first leg.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
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Defense
There is a sentiment among many Barça fans that Flick should go with a reserve team and accept defeat in this one, but that is simply not how the coach or his team is wired. Barça will try, and Hansi will go with a strong and attacking team.
Gerard Martín missed the weekend victory against Villarreal due to suspension, but we think the Catalan Maldini will return to the lineup for this one and start at center-back alongside Pau Cubarsí since Eric Garcia is suspended after his red card in the first leg. Jules Kounde will retain his spot at right-back, and we think Alejandro Balde will start ahead of João Cancelo at left-back.
Midfield
Because of the urgent need to score goals and put a lot of pressure on Atlético, we are expecting Flick to essentially start with a front four in this one which creates the need for a stronger midfield base. For that reason we think Marc Bernal will start alongside Pedri in the double pivot, allowing the four attackers in front of them to play very direct, high-pressure football.
Attack
Barça need to score at least four goals and at least two or three of those in the first half, so the best attacking foursome for that type of strategy would have been Lamine Yamal on the right, Marcus Rashford on the left, Raphinha as a number 10/second striker, and Robert Lewandowski up front. But Lewandowski has been ruled out with an eye injury, so Ferran Torres will lead the line for a front four full of pace, direct play and quality finishing.
Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Atlético? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!