Flick set to field his strongest possible Barça XI for key Atlético clash

With Real Madrid beating Villarreal on Saturday, the stakes are even higher for both Barcelona (2nd) and Atlético Madrid (3rd) as they meet on Sunday (kick-off 3pm ET).

Hansi Flick will field his strongest side with his players well rested five days after beating Benfica (3-1) on Tuesday at Montjuïc and advancing to the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Sunday’s game is also the last league test before the international break with the domestic action not resuming again until the last weekend of March.

The German is expected to play the same team that took to the field on Tuesday with just one exception with Ronald Araújo, set to make way for Pau Cubarsí who was unable to play midweek due to the straight red card he received in the first leg in Lisbon.

Barça XI

Wojciech Szczesny will man the goal with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde on the wings, while Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez are set to marshall the heart of the defence. Frenkie de Jong is will accompany the in-form Pedri in the centre of midfield along with Dani Olmo.

The tried and tested attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will lead the front line for the Catalan side at the Estadio Metropolitano.

The Pole is still the top scorer in the domestic competition on 21 goals despite Mbappe’s brace yesterday for Real Madrid (the French striker is now on 20 LaLiga goals) and Raphinha is slowly but surely establishing himself as a solid candidate date for the Ballon d’Or, after scoring 27 goals and providing 17 assists this season for Barça (in all competitions).

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