How will Barcelona line up against Girona in a must-win La Liga match?

Barcelona travel the short distance to Catalan neighbours Girona on Monday night knowing anything less than victory could dent their La Liga ambitions. Fresh from a bruising cup exit at the hands of Atlético Madrid, Hansi Flick’s side now have the luxury of two weeks without midweek football, and the coaching staff are expected to deploy a near first-choice XI to secure three points before rotating later in the calendar.

Defensive continuity despite Madrid woes Every member of the back four struggled in the Spanish capital, yet the anticipated response is faith rather than overhaul. Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde—Flick’s preferred defensive unit—are set to be handed an immediate chance at redemption, with the quartet lining up in front of goalkeeper Joan.

Midfield reshuffle Frenkie de Jong endured a rare subdued evening against Atlético but remains the pivot around which Barcelona build control. He is projected to partner teenager Marc Bernal at the base of midfield, while Fermín López is tipped to start in the advanced number 10 role. Dani Olmo, influential in recent weeks, is expected to drop to the bench.

Winger rotation and Lewandowski’s charge Raphinha is nearing full fitness after injury, yet the medical staff are reluctant to risk the Brazilian for the full ninety. Instead, Ferran Torres is pencilled in to start on the left, allowing Raphinha to be introduced in the second half. Lamine Yamal will patrol the right flank, supplying ammunition for Robert Lewandowski, who leads the line as the central striker.

Projected Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1): Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, Balde; De Jong, Bernal; Yamal, Fermín, Ferran; Lewandowski.