Pau Cubarsi in, €55m star out – Predicted Barcelona starting XI for La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are now scheduled to take on Atletico Madrid in one of La Liga’s biggest fixtures this season. For both teams, it is an encounter that will have a big say in the La Liga title race. Fortunately for Barcelona, they seem to be ready to take on just about anyone.

However, Atletico Madrid is a side that La Blaugrana have struggled to beat so far this season. Still, Hansi Flick’s team can be a devastating opponent to face for just about anyone, and Barcelona will need to bring a strong plan and starting eleven to this encounter as well.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for this La Liga clash.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

A man on a mission, Wojciech Szczesny is still undefeated in 2025 ever since he made his debut. The Polish goalkeeper is composed at the back at all times and that gives Barcelona the extra bit of confidence and reliability that they need.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman has been enjoying a great season so far, and has been right up there with the best right-backs of this season. His offensive capabilities have definitely improved, but his defensive qualities remain as reliable as ever.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

While Pau Cubarsi has now completed his suspension in the UEFA Champions League, the young Barcelona defender is also expected to be back in the starting line-up for this game. However, his return will likely come at the expense of Ronald Araujo.

The €55m-rated ( transfermarkt ) Uruguayan defender will likely be benched as a result. This would allow Hansi Flick to then put out his ideal defensive partnership of Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

Despite not having always been a Barcelona player, Inigo Martinez plays for the badge and is ready to put everything on the line for it. His character and experience both come in handy, and it does not hurt either to know that his ability with a football is exceptional as well.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

An exceptional talent who is now finally proving his worth to Barcelona with his best version so far. The Spaniard has all the speed and technical quality in the world, but his decision-making has definitely improved as well this season.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

A revitalized version of Frenkie de Jong now commands the Barcelona midfield and even drops deep to help out from time to time. His presence there has allowed other players to flourish as well, including the likes of Pedri.

CDM: Pedri

Barcelona simply does not play its best football if Pedri is not there to orchestrate the game for them. Simply world-class and on top of everyone else in his position right now, the young Spaniard has finally realized his true potential and Hansi Flick’s arrival has simply helped him unlock it.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The wondrous talents of Lamine Yamal continue to amaze as the youngster has the ability to decide matches by himself. Against SL Benfica in the last game, he managed to prove just that with the quality of his assist and goal as well.

CAM: Dani Olmo

A strategically important component for Barcelona in the heart of the team’s attack, Dani Olmo can orchestrate plays at will at times. Having him present would be a great boost to the team’s offensive creativity.

A constant match-winner for Barcelona, Raphinha continues to perform on the big occasions. No matter what, Raphinha always seems to show up for Hansi Flick’s side when they need him the most and he can always be expected to deliver in the big games.

The Polish ace has been having some rather disappointing performances in recent weeks, and he will need to turn his situation around. Despite still being a top goalscorer, the veteran striker needs to get his act together and start producing again.