A big match arrives for FC Barcelona in the form of a European clash against Olympiacos. The Greek side will look to challenge the Catalan giants at the Montjuic Stadium, but this is a UEFA Champions League fixture that Hansi Flick’s side simply have to win.
Unfortunately, the injury crisis at Barça is not getting any easier. Coupled with the fact that El Clasico is the very next game after this, Flick has decided to make a few rotations with his starting lineup.
Here is the official starting eleven for Barça against Olympiacos.
In goal, unsurprisingly, Wojciech Szczesny retains his place as the team’s starting goalkeeper. He had a decent outing in his last game, and he will look to have another one this time around.
Ahead of him, Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi form the centre-back partnership. Both players will be aware of their duties in this game, but it is equally important for them to carry out those duties properly.
On the flanks, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde start as the two full-backs and they will look to support both the defense and the attack by covering as much ground as possible.
In the midfield, Marc Casado and Pedri form the two-man pivot. They will be tasked with helping Barça keep control of the game, but they will need to be alert and cautious about transitions as well.
Marc Casado of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Ahead of them, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez occupy the two wings as the wide forwards for Barcelona. In between them, Dro Fernandez starts as the team’s central attacking midfielder right behind the striker.
As for the centre-forward position, that will be occupied by Marcus Rashford in this game. He will look to be a constant headache for the opposition, and he will look to convert the chances that come his way.