Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is preparing his team with carefully calculated adjustments as they gear up for their Champions League showdown against Red Star Belgrade tonight. With Barcelona riding high on a wave of success—fresh off a solid 3-1 victory over local rivals Espanyol that marked their sixth consecutive win across all competitions—Flick’s focus is on maintaining continuity while strategically strengthening certain areas of the lineup.
The Blaugrana are intent on extending their impressive run, which has solidified their position domestically and boosted morale within the squad. Flick, known for his meticulous planning and adaptability, seems to recognize that drastic changes could disrupt the squad’s rhythm, especially in high-stakes European fixtures. Consequently, he is expected to make only minor tweaks to the lineup, which could allow his team to build on their current chemistry while adding fresh energy in key roles.
According to Diario Sport, Flick has mapped out two anticipated changes to the starting eleven. These involve shifting personnel in defense and midfield—areas he evidently believes would benefit from a slight reshuffling without compromising the team’s balance. At right-back, Jules Koundé is expected to step in for Héctor Fort. Koundé, an experienced and versatile defender, brings both defensive stability and a threat going forward, which may be essential in dealing with Red Star’s wide players. This move could provide Barcelona with greater resilience on the flanks, an area where opponents often try to exploit the Blaugrana’s offensive-minded approach.
In midfield, Flick is likely to bring in Frenkie de Jong to replace young Marc Casadó. De Jong’s return to the starting lineup comes as a significant boost; his composure, vision, and passing range make him an ideal playmaker for orchestrating Barcelona’s attacking plays. De Jong’s ability to dictate tempo and distribute the ball from deep positions could be crucial in controlling the game’s flow, particularly against Red Star, who are known for their physicality and pressing game. De Jong’s experience will also complement younger players like Fermín and Pedri, offering them the freedom to operate higher up the pitch and create opportunities.
Aside from these two adjustments, Flick appears set on retaining the rest of the starting lineup from the Espanyol match. This decision underscores his commitment to stability and his trust in the core group of players who have performed consistently over the past few weeks. The continuity will be especially valuable in the Champions League, where coordination and quick decision-making are paramount. Flick’s decision to limit changes also suggests a confidence in the team’s current form, as they have showcased a blend of attacking flair, disciplined defending, and midfield dominance that has yielded positive results.
Barcelona’s expected starting XI is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña, who has increasingly impressed with his shot-stopping ability and command of the box.
- Defenders: Jules Koundé on the right, whose defensive acumen adds solidity; Cubarsí, a young but promising talent at center-back; the experienced Iñigo Martínez, who brings a steady presence in central defense; and Alejandro Balde on the left, known for his pace and attacking contributions.
- Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, taking a deep-lying playmaker role; Pedri, who combines technical skill with creativity to unlock defenses; and Fermín, an emerging talent who adds youthful energy and adaptability.
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal on the right wing, whose dribbling skills and flair have been a highlight this season; Robert Lewandowski at center forward, Barcelona’s proven goal-scorer and a focal point in attack; and Raphinha on the left, bringing speed and a keen eye for goal.
As Barcelona prepares for this crucial Champions League fixture, Flick’s lineup reflects both prudence and ambition. By making subtle adjustments, he aims to strike a balance between consistency and dynamism, ensuring that his side remains unpredictable while building on their recent successes. With most of the squad retained from the weekend’s derby win, Barcelona is expected to field a lineup capable of controlling the game’s pace, exploiting Red Star’s vulnerabilities, and, ideally, securing yet another victory on their European campaign.
Tonight’s clash with Red Star will not only test Barcelona’s ability to maintain their winning momentum but also serve as a testament to Flick’s tactical acumen in balancing squad rotation with consistent performance.
