De Jong, Fermin start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Valencia

FC Barcelona will hope to close down the gap to the top of the La Liga table when they lock horns with Valencia later tonight at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The Blaugrana have gone without a win in La Liga in four games – with their last victory coming against Mallorca in early December.

Since then, Hansi Flick’s side have lost to Leganes and Atletico Madrid while being held to draws by Real Betis and most recently, Getafe.

As such, Barcelona are already ten points behind leaders Real Madrid and six below second-placed Atletico Madrid, which they can reduce with a win tonight.

Following the hard-fought win against Benfica earlier in the week, Flick hinted that there could be rotations in the lineup tonight. And here’s how Barcelona could take the field against Carlos Corberan’s Valencia in Montjuic.

Defence

After Wojciech Szczesny started in the Champions League clash vs Benfica, it is expected that Flick will revert to Inaki Pena in goal for Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Valencia.

There are unlikely to be any major tweaks in defence, however, with the centre-back pairing of Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi expected to remain intact while Jules Kounde continues to be the obvious pick at right-back.

Alejandro Balde, however, may be given a break with Gerard Martin, soon after signing his contract renewal this week, in line to start as the left-back.

Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia will be options on the bench if Flick opts to switch things later in the game.

Midfield

As for the midfield department, the Barcelona manager appeared to hint that there may be a rest in order for in-form superstar Pedri.

In that case, Frenkie de Jong, who has been slowly making an impression in his appearances off the bench, could be in line for a rare start.

The Dutchman is expected to be paired up with breakthrough La Masia talent Marc Casado, who has become a pivotal part of the team this season.

Dani Olmo is out of tonight’s game with injury again while Gavi could be given a break after having featured regularly since the turn of the year.

It could pave the way for Fermin Lopez to get a rare start in the attacking midfield role. The La Masia graduate has found minutes hard to come by this season and will hope to make the most of his opportunity.

Attack

While there may be a few rotations across the pitch, Flick is unlikely to tinker with the attacking trident of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha, given the importance of winning this match.

Lewandowski’s performances of late have been a bit of a hit-and-miss and the veteran striker must pull up his socks and step up tonight against Valencia.

The Barcelona manager can turn to the likes of Ferran Torres, Pau Victor, Pablo Torre, and potentially Ansu Fati if he needs to change things up in the final third of the pitch.