Ferran, Gavi start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Barcelona will be aiming to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League tonight when they take on Borussia Dortmund away at Signal Iduna Park.

The Blaugrana go into the second leg of their quarter-final tie with a huge advantage, having thrashed the Bundesliga giants 4-0 at Montjuic last week.

Given their significant lead, Barça will want to capitalise and cruise through to the final four while avoiding any complacency to creep into their game tonight against the Black and Yellows.

The current La Liga leaders have recovered key playmaker Dani Olmo from injury for their trip to Germany which will come as a big boost, although the Spaniard is unlikely to start on the night.

Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are the only notable absentees for the visitors tonight at Signal Iduna Park. But with some key players showing signs of fatigue, rotations may be on the cards.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny has still yet to taste defeat as a Barcelona player and will be gunning to equal club legend Johan Cruyff’s record for the most matches without losing since debut.

The 34-year-old will likely see a couple of changes to the defensive line that will shield him against Borussia Dortmund tonight. One of the alterations will be forced as Alejandro Balde is injured and will be replaced by Gerard Martin at left-back.

Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez, just one yellow card away from a one-game suspension, will likely be rested. Pau Cubarsi, who was rested at the weekend against Leganes, will start alongside Ronald Araujo at centre-back while Jules Kounde continues on the right side.

Midfield

Set for a rest? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Pedri has been an untouchable in the starting lineup for Barcelona this season but the game against Leganes on Saturday showed that the superstar midfielder can do with some rest.

As such, the 22-year-old is likely to be given a breather at Signal Iduna Park, considering Barça’s big advantage from the first leg. Replacing him in the centre of the park should be Gavi, who has only featured as a substitute in the last couple of matches.

Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, should return to the starting XI in the double pivot, after having played only in the second half against Leganes.

Fermin Lopez, who has started each of the last two matches, should once again get the nod as the attacking midfielder tonight, with Dani Olmo likely to come on in the second period.

Attack

Robert Lewandowski has started three games in a row in a short period and might be dealing with some slight discomfort as per reports. As such, he could be held back by Flick on his return to Signal Iduna Park.

Instead, Ferran Torres is expected to start as the No. 9 for the Blaugrana tonight against Borussia Dortmund tonight, with the Spaniard having scored on his previous visit to the stadium in December.

Lamine Yamal also showed signs of some tiredness against Leganes but is likely to be retained in the lineup on the right wing. Raphinha will complete the attacking unit for Barcelona.