Barcelona possible starting lineup vs Girona today in LaLiga

Raphinha is poised to be the headline addition to Hansi Flick’s starting XI on Monday night at Montilivi, where Barcelona face Girona looking to steady the ship after a painful Copa del Rey setback.

The Brazilian winger returns after missing two weeks with a minor right adductor strain, and his comeback could not come at a better time. Flick is counting on one of his most reliable weapons to help the team mentally erase Thursday’s meltdown against Atlético Madrid. With Raphinha in the starting lineup this season, Barcelona have yet to lose.

A timely boost for Flick

Beyond Raphinha’s expected return, Flick is also weighing several tweaks to the side that took the field at the Metropolitano against Atlético.

Highly rated youngster Marc Bernal is an option to partner Frenkie de Jong in midfield, potentially adding fresh energy and balance in the center of the park. Up front, Robert Lewandowski could reclaim his spot from Ferran Torres, restoring a more traditional focal point to the attack.

Fermín López, one of the few bright spots in the Copa defeat, is expected to keep his place in the attacking midfield role. His work rate and composure stood out in an otherwise difficult night for the Blaugrana.

Defensive questions remain

There could also be movement along the back line. Ronald Araújo and Gerard Martín are both candidates to step into the starting XI, although breaking up the current defensive quartet will not be easy.

Pau Cubarsí and Eric García have formed a steady central pairing, flanked by fullbacks Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde. One intriguing possibility would see Eric García shift into a holding midfield role, which would open up a vacancy at left center back.

Guaranteed starters

Two names are virtually guaranteed to start: goalkeeper Joan García and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Both will have extra motivation. Joan García is eager to bounce back after conceding four goals last time out, while Yamal will look to reignite his scoring touch after seeing his five goals in five games streak come to an end Thursday.

For Barcelona, Monday is about more than three points. It is about restoring confidence, reasserting control in the LaLiga title race, and proving that one brutal night in the Copa does not define their season.

Possible Barcelona XI to face Girona on February 16

GK: Joan García

DEF: Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Balde

MID: De Jong, Bernal, López

ATT: Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

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