Barcelona’s confirmed starting lineup against Celta Vigo in LaLiga

There were two key uncertainties in the starting lineup Hansi Flick will field at Balaídos against Celta. The first concerned the right-back position, particularly given that Jules Koundé is sidelined with a foot injury sustained from a heavy blow, and Eric García will have to play wearing a protective mask after fracturing his nose in the match against Club Brugge.

The other major question was who would lead the attack. Robert Lewandowski is the clear favourite, especially as he has not started in over a month—the last time being at the Sánchez Pizjuán on October 5th, where he missed a penalty.

Marcus Rashford was also an alternative, with his impressive LaLiga statistics—two goals and five assists—but he still struggles with pressing the opponent’s build-up play.

In the end, Flick opted for both players.

The rest of the team was always largely settled. Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal, likely in what will be his final match before Joan Garcia’s return, confirmed after the international break.

The midfield will be: Marc Casadó, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermín López, while Ronald Araújo will partner Pau Cubarsí in central defence, with Alejandro Balde on the left. In attack, Lamine Yamal starts following his impressive display in Bruges, with Ferran Torres, the most dynamic striker available, dropping to the bench.

FC BARCELONA STARTING XI:

Szcezny; Balde, Cubarsí, Araujo, Eric; Frenkie, Casadó, Fermín; Rashford, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal (4-3-3)

REAL CLUB CELTA DE VIGO STARTING XI:

Radu; Alonso, Starfelt, Fernández; Mingueza, Sotelo, Moriba, Carreira; Jutglà, B. Iglesias, Durán (3-5-2)

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