How will Barcelona line up against Newcastle?

Barcelona return to Camp Nou on Wednesday night with a quarter-final berth on the line, and Hansi Flick is expected to field what he considers his strongest available XI for the decisive Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Newcastle.

Fresh off a dominant weekend display against Sevilla in which several regulars were rested, Flick has few selection headaches. The back four practically picks itself: Joan Garcia will continue in goal, flanked by Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and João Cancelo. The only question mark is at right-back, where Eric Garcia’s return from injury is likely to edge out Ronald Araujo; the coaching staff value Eric’s composure in possession as Barça target a more expansive performance than the one produced in the first leg at St James’ Park.

Midfield offers little debate. Teenage anchor Marc Bernal and Pedri will operate in the double pivot, charged with accelerating tempo and supplying the front four. Ahead of them, Dani Olmo’s match-shifting cameo in England and a goal-laden showing against Sevilla appear to have sealed a starting role ahead of Fermín López.

On the flanks, Raphinha rediscovered his sharpest form with a weekend hat-trick and will start on the left, while a rested Lamine Yamal takes the right in an attempt to recreate last season’s European fireworks. With both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres misfiring and Marcus Rashford viewed more naturally as a wide option, the Polish veteran is set to lead the line by default, leaning on his pedigree in high-stakes continental fixtures.

Predicted Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo; Marc Bernal, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski.