"Barça had a full week to rest, recover and prepare for this one but have a monster game against Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals just three days later, so Flick's lineup decisions for this one could be affected by his plans for next Tuesday."
"There was some really bad news on Thursday as Frenkie de Jong was injured in training, and the Dutchman's absence will certainly be felt with gigantic games taking place over the next month. Thankfully Pedri is back in the fold, and we think The Wizard will return alongside Marc Bernal in the double pivot in this one."
"We are expecting Robert Lewandowski to start against Atlético on Tuesday, so it'd be sensible to rotate the Pole out of the side for this one and start Ferran Torres up front, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha retaining their spots on the wings."
Barcelona prepares for a crucial La Liga match against Villarreal at Camp Nou while balancing immediate competition with upcoming fixtures. Gerard Martín's suspension necessitates Pau Cubarsí replacing him alongside Eric García in defense. Frenkie de Jong's training injury creates midfield challenges, but Pedri's return allows him to partner Marc Bernal in the double pivot. Fermín López is expected to occupy the number 10 position. Manager Hansi Flick plans strategic rotation, likely resting Robert Lewandowski for Ferran Torres at striker while maintaining Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings. These decisions reflect preparation for the critical Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid scheduled three days after this match.
#barcelona-lineup-prediction #la-liga-match-analysis #squad-rotation-strategy #fixture-congestion-management #copa-del-rey-preparation
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