Araujo, Lopez And Yamal To Start | 4-2-3-1 Barcelona Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United

Barcelona will welcome Newcastle United to Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday night aiming to protect—or extend—their advantage from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie. Fresh from a swaggering 5-2 league victory over Sevilla, Hansi Flick’s side are expected to keep the momentum flowing with a dynamic 4-2-3-1 set-up that could see Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez and teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal all handed starting roles.

Joan Garcia will continue in goal, looking for a sharper performance after shipping two against Sevilla. In front of him, teenage centre-half Pau Cubarsi is poised to partner Gerard Martin, while Araujo shifts to right-back and Joao Cancelo mans the opposite flank. The full-backs will be encouraged to raid forward selectively, mindful of the threat posed by Newcastle’s transitions. Eric Garcia provides defensive cover among the substitutes.

Dani Olmo and Pedri have been entrusted with the double-pivot duties, tasked with controlling tempo and winning the key second-ball battles. Ahead of them, Raphinha, Lopez and Yamal form a fluid attacking trident designed to stretch the Magpies’ back line and supply ammunition to lone striker Robert Lewandowski, whose predatory instincts could decide the tie.

Gavi, Marc Casado and January arrival Roony Bardghji offer midfield reinforcements off the bench, while seasoned finishers Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres wait in reserve should Barcelona require a late goal to kill off the contest.

With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, Flick’s blend of youth and experience will look to seize the initiative from the opening whistle and keep their European dream alive.

Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Dani Olmo, Pedri; Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal; Robert Lewandowski.