De Jong, Fati start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Crvena Zvezda

Barcelona will be gunning for their 14th victory of the 2024/25 season in all competitions when they take on Crvena Zvezda in the fourth matchweek of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The Blaugrana head into the encounter at the Rajko Mitic Stadium high on confidence after securing three crucial wins against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and RCD Espanyol over the past couple of weeks.

As such, even though they are likely to be confronted by a daunting, perhaps even hostile, atmosphere in Belgrade tomorrow, Hansi Flick’s side are the undisputed favourites to return with three points.

Barcelona once again head into the game without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Ferran Torres while Eric Garcia also continues to be out sidelined.

Flick could look to make a few rotations to the starting lineup tomorrow, especially with a big game against Real Sociedad looming over the weekend in La Liga. Here’s how Barcelona could line up against Crvena Zvezda tomorrow.

Defence

With Inaki Pena excelling between the sticks in the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, he is expected to retain his spot in the Barcelona lineup, meaning the wait continues for emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny’s debut.

Jules Kounde, who has not missed a single game for Barça since last November, ought to return to the starting lineup at right-back after featuring from the bench in the Catalan derby. Hector Fort will drop out.

Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been brilliant as the centre-back pairing for Barça and are unlikely to be touched while Alejandro Balde is expected to continue on the left side of the defence.

Midfield

It is in the midfield department where some changes are likely to be made by the manager. Pedri played more than 80 minutes in Sunday’s derby and it could be a sign that the Spanish international gets a break tomorrow night against Crvena Zvezda.

In his place, Frenkie de Jong could be in line for his first start under the new manager having gathered enough minutes under his belt since returning from his injury.

The Dutchman is likely to be paired up alongside Marc Casado in the double pivot for the Blaugrana. The 21-year-old has been in brilliant form of late, registering an assist in each of the last three games and will hope to continue in the same way.

Dani Olmo started and stole the show against Espanyol on Sunday but given that he is just returning from an injury and a crucial game awaits at the weekend, Fermin Lopez could get the nod as the No. 10 tomorrow for Barcelona.

Gavi and Pablo Torre will be options from the bench again.

Attack

Lamine Yamal has been in sensational form which makes him pretty much indispensable for Flick and as such, the 17-year-old wonderkid should start on the right flank tomorrow.

Robert Lewandowski, just three away from a century of goals in the UEFA Champions League, will again be tasked to spearhead the attack for the Blaugrana.

Completing the attacking trio for Barcelona tomorrow could be Ansu Fati, who has yet to make much of an impact since returning from his injury. Raphinha, thus, could be getting a breather.

Pau Victor would also be an option for Flick if he opts to change things up in attack.