Predicted line-up for Barcelona against Young Boys: Champions League

Three days after their first La Liga defeat, Barcelona returns to the Champions League against Young Boys.

Hansi Flick’s tenure at Barcelona got off to a perfect start in La Liga. The Catalans won their first seven La Liga games and were four points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table. However, despite the domestic success, the club suffered a heavy Champions League defeat against Monaco. Flick’s side were reduced to playing with ten men after Eric García received a red card in the 10th minute and were unable to get any more points from the game.

Now Barcelona are aiming for their first UCL win under their new coach, but the game comes shortly after a 4-2 defeat against Osasuna. Flick decided to rotate his lineup for the La Liga game, leaving Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marc Casadó, Iñigo Martínez and Alejandro Balde on the bench and losing points as a result.

To get Barcelona’s European campaign back on track, Flick is expected to field his strongest team against Young Boys. Frenkie de Jong is also available to the manager; The Dutchman has returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for over five months.

This is what Barcelona’s team could look like against the Young Boys.

TW: Iñaki Pena–The goalkeeper is making his first Champions League appearance for Barcelona this season, replacing the injured Marc-André ter Stegen.

RB: Jules Koundé–The Frenchman is just one of two players to start every game for Barcelona under Flick. He will play his tenth game in a row on Tuesday.

CB: Pau Cubarsí–After Barcelona conceded four goals against Osasuna, Cubarsí will be keen to line up alongside Martínez again and deliver a better defensive performance.

CB: Inigo Martinez–Martínez was fully rested on Saturday after picking up a minor knock in midweek, but the centre-back is ready to play against Young Boys.

LB: Alejandro Balde–Expect the 20-year-old to return to his starting spot on the left wing after just 20 minutes against Osasuna.

DM: Marc Casadó–Casadó is named alongside Pedri while Eric García serves his suspension.

DM: Pedri–The 21-year-old will look to bounce back from his poor performance in Barcelona’s first UCL game against Monaco.

RW: Lamine Yamal–Yamal scored his first Champions League goal in Barcelona’s UCL opener and goes into Tuesday’s game with five goals and five assists in all competitions.

AM: Pablo Torre–While Dani Olmo recovers, Torre will start as the Catalans’ number 10. After scoring goals and providing assists in his first La Liga start, the 21-year-old has become Flick’s preferred attacking midfielder.

LW: Raphinha–Raphinha’s presence on the left wing was missed at the weekend. The Brazilian should have plenty of success against Zachary Athekame, who struggled against Aston Villa just two weeks ago.

ST: Robert Lewandowski–The striker has already scored seven goals in eight La Liga games, but he will look to score his first UCL goal of the 2024-25 season against Young Boys.

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