Barcelona team news vs Real Madrid: Hansi Flick has a clear plan for Barcelona's starting XI in Copa del Rey final
AS reports that Hansi Flick has a very clear idea of the starting lineup he will field on Saturday at La Cartuja, as Barcelona look to lift the Copa del Rey. The German coach will not be holding anything back, opting to deploy his strongest available side for the clash.
Clues about the starting XI were already evident in the recent match against Mallorca, where Flick chose to rest five likely starters: Raphinha, Cubarsi, Frenkie de Jong, Kounde, and Gerard Martin. Martin is expected to start at left-back in place of the injured Alejandro Balde.
Another confirmed absence is Robert Lewandowski, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite this significant loss, Flick is confident that Ferran Torres — currently in excellent form — will be able to fill the striker role effectively.
The rest of the lineup appears settled. Wojciech Szczesny is set to start in goal, even though Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned from injury. In defence, Inigo Martinez is likely to lead from the back, partnered by Cubarsi in central defence, with Kounde and Martin taking the full-back positions.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong will operate as the pivot, flanked by Pedri and Dani Olmo. Up front, Ferran Torres will take on the number 9 role, with Lamine Yamal — now sporting platinum blond hair — and Raphinha on the wings.
Expected Barcelona XI vs Real Madrid: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran, Lamine Yamal.
Flick is aiming for his first trophy as Barcelona manager, and the lineup suggests he is ready to go all in to make that happen.
