Torres in, €15m player out – Predicted Barcelona line-up to face SL Benfica in UCL | OneFootball

Up next for FC Barcelona is a massive clash in the UEFA Champions League against SL Benfica. Away from home this time, the Catalan giants know how important it is for them to come out on top against the Portuguese side. With a top-eight placement on the line, Barcelona will do whatever it takes to win.

However, the big decisions now lie with Hansi Flick in terms of which players to start and which players to rest. While La Liga may not have been too kind to the Catalan giants recently, they will do what it takes to improve their own momentum in the Champions League and that could lead to Flick starting a strong eleven for this game.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for this fixture.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

With Flick even praising the Polish goalkeeper ahead of the game, it seems likely that the Barcelona coach will end up starting him for this game. He has shown his quality this year, and this game may be another big opportunity for him.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman remains in the form of his life, scoring great goals and providing stunning assists. Beyond just being a great defensive outlet for the team, he has now completely transformed his offensive output as well.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

Strong at the back and a leader for the team, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo is a massive asset for Flick’s team. Despite looking to be on his way out previously, he now looks determined to stay with La Blaugrana.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young Spaniard continues to amaze more and more as he continues to develop his game. His line-breaking passes are simply essential to the way Barcelona plays, and he remains one of Flick’s most relied-upon players this season.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

Quick as lightning and almost untouchable when he is in the right headspace, Alejandro Balde is a great asset for Hansi Flick on the left flank of the field. He could be quite useful in this particular Champions League clash as well.

CDM: Marc Casado

One of the surprises of the season, Marc Casado is now a mainstay in this team as Flick’s defensive midfielder. His passing range, defensive ability, and other attributes could come in handy for this encounter.

CDM: Gavi

A natural competitor, Gavi’s presence in the team always urges his teammates to do better as well. With him in the team, Barcelona is also given a great blend of both technical brilliance and an intense midfielder who will do anything to win back the ball.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The 17-year-old Spanish winger was unable to change the outcome of the game against Getafe, but he will be looking to have more of an impact against Benfica in this game if he ends up starting.

CAM: Pedri

With Dani Olmo currently injured, it may be up to Pedri to take his spot as the advanced midfielder in the team. Fortunately, he possesses the technical ability and surreal vision to play that role and play it well.

LAM: Raphinha

A man in red-hot form when it comes to the UEFA Champions League, Raphinha’s presence almost feels like a guarantee. From his goalscoring qualities to his ability to set up his teammates, the Brazilian is almost always a defined pick for Flick in big games.

Centre-forward: Ferran Torres

While Robert Lewandowski could also start in this game, Ferran Torres provides a bit more pace up front. In a Champions League game, runners can often come in handy for any team, and Hansi Flick’s high-intensity football could need Torres’s special set of assets as well. Thus, it could be time for the €15 million-rated Polish veteran to sit this one out.