FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make changes to his line up when the Catalans host Brest in … [+] the Champions League on Tuesday night.
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FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make changes to his line up when the Catalans host Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday.
After a defeat and a draw in the league in its fixtures either side of the international break, Barca could do with a win against one of the surprise packages of the European competition this term.
On Saturday at Celta Vigo, Flick was left furious by his men leading 2-0 up to the 84th minute but then succumbing to two goals from the hosts.
This means that Real Madrid can reduce Barca’s lead to just one point at the summit, providing it beats Valencia in a game in hand.
Getting his first start in a year at Celta Vigo after recovering from an ACL rupture, and criticizing Jules Kounde for his blunder that allowed it to pull one back, Gavi will return to the bench as Fermin Lopez replaces him.
Despite being red-carded in Balaidos, Marc Casado starts as the lone pivot behind Pedri and Fermin.
Kounde maintains his berth at right back as well, as does a shaky Gerard Martin on the other flank in defense because Alejandro Balde is unavailable.
“Balde had some muscle problems, so we thought he would rest. Today he is better but I hope that for the games after Brest he will be an option. He won’t be there tomorrow,” Flick said at his prematch press conference on Monday.
As always while ever Ronald Araujo is out, the center back pairing helping to defend Inaki Pena’s goal is Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.
Up top, Dani Olmo is still Lamine Yamal’s replacement on the left wing in a fashion, because him playing there allows Raphinha to play on the right where we can usually find the 17-year-old prodigy currently recovering from a muscle overload.
“I think it will be the last game he misses, today he seems to be better,” Flick said regarding La Masia pearl Lamine.
“I think Saturday could be an option [against Las Palmas]maybe he will be on the bench. We have to wait, we’ll see,” Flick added.
FC Barcelona Vs. Brest Starting XI: Pity; Gerard, Inigo, Cubarsi, Kounde; Married, Fermin, Pedri, Olmo, Lewandowksi, Raphinha
