.png)
3 hours ago
4 ARTICLE AD
Barcelona are preparing to face Brest in a crucial UEFA Champions League match, and there are significant concerns surrounding the team’s lineup.
One of the biggest issues is the absence of Lamine Yamal for the third consecutive game, leaving manager Hansi Flick with a tough decision to make.
Unfortunately, Barcelona have not been able to find a clear solution to this problem in their previous two matches.
The team’s need to secure a win and continue gathering points in the Champions League is more pressing than ever, but this does not necessarily mean there will be major changes to the starting lineup for the upcoming game against Brest.
While the core of the team will likely remain the same, the tactical flexibility of the players will continue to change the overall approach, especially depending on who occupies which positions on the field.
Who will feature and where?
In the match against Real Sociedad, Barcelona played with a three-man midfield, where Fermin Lopez started on the right wing, Raphinha took the left, and Pedri played behind Lewandowski.
In contrast, against Celta Vigo, Raphinha moved to the right, Dani Olmo took the left, and Gavi and Pedri alternated in central midfield.
It remains to be seen where Fermin Lopez will play. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
One thing that stood out in both games was that Olmo did not play as the attacking midfielder behind Lewandowski, a position that could offer a new tactical solution.
For the upcoming match, one possible solution could be to place Raphinha on the right wing, as he did against Celta Vigo, with Fermin on the left.
Both of these players are versatile and comfortable with switching between feet, much like they did in several matches last season. This tactical flexibility could be key to filling the gap left by Yamal’s absence.
What about defence?
On top of these attacking adjustments, Barcelona will also have to deal with Alejandro Balde’s absence at left-back.
This raises the question of whether Flick will opt to stick with Gerard Martin, who filled in for Balde in the previous match, or whether Hector Fort, who also played as a left-back in the second half against Celta Vigo, will get the nod.
To be fair, Martin did not convince the manager at all and everything points to the fact that he will be replaced by Fort against Brest.
The manager’s decision on this could impact the team’s defensive stability. With so many variables at play, Barcelona’s tactical approach against Brest will be crucial.
