Pedri, Gavi start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Atalanta

FC Barcelona will be aiming to end their UEFA Champions League group stage on a strong note as they take on Atalanta in their final game of this round tonight.

The Blaugrana have secured a top-eight spot in the UCL and with it a direct spot in the Round of 16 of the competition, without having to go through an additional playoff stage.

A victory tonight against the Italians, coupled with Liverpool potentially slipping up, could even see Hansi Flick’s men finish at the top of the standings, which would earn them favourable draw in the next round as well as extra cash in the coffers.

Having rotated his team during the weekend’s La Liga clash against Valencia, the Barcelona manager is expected to name his strongest possible lineup tonight against Gian Piero Gasperini’s men.

Barcelona go into the match without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Inigo Martinez, Dani Olmo, and Andreas Christensen, who has suffered a fresh injury setback.

But the manager has Pedri back at his disposal after the midfielder missed the last game due to gastroenteritis.

Here’s how the Catalan heavyweights are likely to line up against last season’s UEFA Europa League winners at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys tonight.

Defence

The goalkeeper’s spot has generated a lot of discussion and debate in recent weeks, but Hansi Flick made it clear during his press conference that it will be Wojciech Szczesny who will be the starter for Barcelona tonight and in the coming games.

Meanwhile, a solitary change is expected in the centre-back department where captain Ronald Araujo is set to return to the starting XI, at the expense of Eric Garcia.

The Uruguayan international will be partnering Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the Blaugrana defence while Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde continue as the full-backs on the right and left sides, respectively.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong enjoyed a solid game against Valencia at the weekend given a rare starting opportunity. However, with Pedri back available, it is almost guaranteed that the 22-year-old will reclaim his starting berth in the midfield for Barcelona.

Meanwhile, the Spanish international will continue to be paired up with Marc Casado who has become an integral member of this Barça setup under Hansi Flick this season.

Moving up, Fermin Lopez put in his best display of the season, racking up two goals and assists apiece against Valencia, after starting as the No. 10. However, the La Masia gem is expected to make way for star midfielder Gavi, who has been in fine form in 2025.

Attack

Robert Lewandowski is expected to reclaim his starting berth again after coming off the bench against Valencia over the weekend. Ferran Torres, who also scored in the La Liga clash against his former club, will make way.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will continue occupying the wide areas for Barcelona and will carry a great threat going forward.

There could be minutes off the bench for players like Fermin, Ferran, and Pablo Torre in the second period.