Title: Flick's Three Shocks in FC Barcelona vs. Real Betis Lineup
Title: Flick's Three Shocks in FC Barcelona vs. Real Betis Lineup
FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is set to make some significant adjustments to his squad for the Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis. The Catalans are currently on a high after thrashing arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final, with Flick bagging his first trophy since taking over from Xavi Hernandez last summer.
At a pre-match press conference, Flick spoke about the potential departures of Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati in the ongoing winter transfer window. He urged his players to maintain their intensity and focus, stating, "We are prepared and want to win it. Every pass, every race… Betis is a very good and very aggressive team, and we have to show that we are one of the best."
The first modification Flick plans to implement revolves around goalkeeper Iñaki Pena, who will reclaim his spot after Wojciech Szczesny stepped in during the 4-0 Copa del Rey victory over Barbastro when Pena failed to report on time. Szczesny was then selected to replace Pena in the Polish goalkeeper's absence after he was sent off during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Club, preventing him from facing Betis.
Defensively, the team will miss the presence of Inigo Martinez, who tore his right hamstring, prompting the return of Ronald Araujo to partner Pau Cubarsi at center-back. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will continue on the flanks.
In midfield, Flick will pair Marc Casado and Pedri, while Dani Olmo steps in to take Gavi's spot as the central attacking midfielder.
The formidable frontline of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski will start the match, with the trio expected to propel the team towards the quarterfinals.
Here's the projected starting lineup for FC Barcelona versus Real Betis:
- Pena
- Balde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Kounde
- Casado, Pedri
- Lamine, Olmo, Raphinha
- Lewandowski
Enrichment Data:Predicted Lineups for FC Barcelona and Real Betis in the Copa del Rey Last 16 Match
- FC Barcelona Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
- Defenders: Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde
- Midfielders: Casado, Pedri
- Midfielders: Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha
- Forward: Lewandowski
- Real Betis Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Fran Vieites
- Defenders: Youssouf Sabaly, Romain Perraud, Marc Bartra, Diego Llorente
- Midfielders: Altimira, Cardoso
- Midfielders: Lo Celso, Isco, Ezzalzouli
- Forward: Roque
Changes Made by FC Barcelona Head Coach Hansi Flick Following Their Spanish Super Cup Title WinFC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has implemented various alterations to his squad following their Spanish Super Cup title win. Key changes include:
- Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña will start in goal, as Wojciech Szczęsny received a straight red card in the Spanish Super Cup final and is thus not eligible to face Betis.
- Defenders: Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Inigo Martínez are injured and will be unavailable for the match. Andreas Christensen could potentially return from his long-term Achilles problem, but his availability remains uncertain.
- Midfielders: Dani Olmo may come off the bench, with Gavi potentially assuming the role of central attacking midfielder from the start.
- Forwards: Robert Lewandowski is expected to return to the XI, while Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Ronald Araujo are also in line to be reintegrated into the starting lineup.
These adjustments reflect Flick's aim to preserve his team's strength while providing some players a well-deserved rest following their recent successes in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
Flick mentioned the possibility of Ronald Araujo's return to the team after Inigo Martinez's injury, stating that he could partner Pau Cubarsi at center-back against Real Betis.
Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski form the formidable frontline that Flick has chosen for the Copa del Rey clash, aiming to propel the team towards the quarterfinals.
Real Betis will face a strengthened FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, as Hansi Flick makes adjustments following their title win, with Ronald Araujo potentially returning to the starting lineup.
Hansi Flick's plans for the Spanish Super Cup also include pairing Marc Casado and Pedri in midfield and starting Dani Olmo as the central attacking midfielder, in place of Gavi.