Eric Garcia in, €55m defender out – Predicted Barcelona line-up to face Valencia in the Copa del Rey | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on fellow La Liga side Valencia in the Copa del Rey. Now at the quarterfinals stage, the Catalan giants know that this is a must-win game for them. If Barcelona manage to secure victory here, it would see them proceed directly to the semi-finals of the competition.

With Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid already there, Barça will definitely not wish to be left behind. However, while the last game against Valencia was a complete thrashing, there is a big chance that this game will be much different, especially with the opposition being the home side this time around.

Here is how Hansi Flick’s Barcelona team could line up for this game.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

With the Polish goalkeeper clearly being Hansi Flick’s pick as the first-choice option in goal at Barcelona, he will likely start this game as well. While it is definitely harsh on Inaki Pena, the Pole has been delivering some good performances.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman has been a consistent and reliable player for Hansi Flick this season, and that can be expected to continue moving forward. As the most used player across this entire season for Barcelona so far, there is a reason that the German coach trusts him so much.

Centre-back: Eric Garcia

The Spanish centre-back came into the game against Deportivo Alaves last time out and helped improve Barça’s overall tempo and ball progression. For that reason, there is a pretty good chance that he could start this game from the very beginning.

However, that would likely lead to Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo starting off the bench. The €55 million-rated centre-back started the previous game, but it seems like he might end up starting this one from the bench.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Always in control and composed, Pau Cubarsi is an essential component of Hansi Flick’s system. Without him, the team always seems to struggle when it comes to playing out from the back and Barcelona definitely need to have him on the field if they want to break down Valencia’s structure.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

Continuing his exceptional season so far, Alejandro Balde is a player reborn. His skills and decision-making seem to be much more fine-tuned than before and he is undoubtedly a lethal weapon for Hansi Flick’s team on the left flank.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

The Dutchman has found his best version yet this season, and it is clear to see that Hansi Flick relies on him to make a difference in crucial games. For that reason, it would not be a surprise to see the German coach start him in this game.

CDM: Pedri

When it comes to midfielders, few in the world have been better than Pedri this season. Now healthy and consistently available, the Spaniard has showcased exactly how impactful he can be for Barcelona. With him in the team, the Catalan giants always have more control and a better understanding of what to do.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

Magical and out of this world, there is really an endless list of adjectives to describe Lamine Yamal. Yet, if there is one thing that he most definitely is, that would be the fact that he is crucial for Barcelona. Without him, the team struggles, and with him, they are capable of producing world-class moments regularly.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

With Gavi unable to take part in this game, Fermin Lopez will likely be the pick. Dani Olmo has just returned from injury, so the chances of him starting do not look very likely. However, this is a great opportunity for the young Spaniard to showcase his quality again just as he did last time out against Valencia.

The Brazilian winger has been in sensational form this season, and he always seems to step up in the big moments. With a win here set to guarantee Barça progression to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, this is surely a match for Raphinha to step up and showcase his quality as well.