In the fourth matchweek of the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona will be aiming for their 14th victory of the 2024–25 season across all competitions when they play Crvena Zvezda on Wednesday.
With three significant victories in the last two weeks against RCD Espanyol, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, the Blaugrana enter the match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium full of confidence.
They have scored 24 goals in their last 4 games, only conceding 3 goals.
As a result, Hansi Flick’s team is the clear favorite to return with three points tomorrow, despite the fact that they will probably face a formidable, possibly even hostile, scene in Belgrade.
Even though Ferran Torres, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all out for Barcelona going into the match. Barcelona has a solid backline with Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alex Balde.
With a crucial La Liga match against Real Sociedad coming up over the weekend, Flick might try to make a few changes to the starting lineup tomorrow. This is Barcelona’s possible lineup for tomorrow’s match against Crvena Zvezda.
DEFENCE
Goal keeper
The wait for the debut of emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny is still ongoing since Inaki Pena is anticipated to keep his place in the Barcelona lineup due to his excellent play in goal when Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out.
RB
After playing off the bench in the Catalan derby, Jules Kounde, who has not missed a Barcelona game since last November, should be back in the starting lineup at right-back. Hector Fort is going to leave.
CB
Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, who have excelled as Barça’s center-back duo, are unlikely to be replaced as they have started their last six matches together.
LB
Alejandro Balde is expected to continue on the left side of the defense.
MIDFIELD
The manager is probably going to make some adjustments in the midfield area. The fact that Pedri played more than 80 minutes in Sunday’s derby may indicate that the Spanish international will receive a respite against Crvena Zvezda tomorrow.
Casado would have to start over, as he has been brilliant in his last matches.
Since Frenkie Dejong is not happy with his limited playing time, he will be taking Pedri’s place.
The Dutchman and Marc Casado are probably going to be teamed together in the Blaugrana’s double pivot. With an assist in each of the previous three games, the 21-year-old has been in outstanding form lately and will look to keep it up.
Dani Olmo started and stole the show against Espanyol on Sunday, but given that he is just returning from an injury and a crucial game awaits at the weekend, Olmo could be rested. Fermin Lopez could get the nod as the No. 10 tomorrow for Barcelona.
Gavi and Pablo Torre will be options from the bench again, and Olmo might get some minutes too.
Front 3
RW
The 17-year-old wonderkid, Lamine Yamal, should start on the right side tomorrow because of his incredible form, which has made him virtually crucial for Flick.
CF
The Blaugrana’s attack will once again be led by Robert Lewandowski, who is only three goals away from reaching a century in the UEFA Champions League.
LW
Ansu Fati, who has not contributed much since recovering from his injury, might complete Barcelona’s attacking trio tomorrow, but Flick wouldn’t risk it. As Raphina has been playing so well, Flick might not risk benching him; therefore, Ansu might come off the bench at 60 when Barcelona is leading by two or three goals.
