How will Barcelona line up against Atlético Madrid?

Barcelona look for a strong start to the Copa del Rey semi-finals when they face a monster test away to Atlético Madrid in the first leg at the Metropolitano.

Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Thursday’s battle:

Defense

Barça have had four full days to rest and prepare after a comfortable win over Mallorca at the weekend, and given the stage of the competition and the quality of the opponent, there’s no doubt Flick will go with his strongest possible team for this one.

Ronald Araujo is in contention to start at the back after a strong performance in his first start last week and several good appearances off the bench, but we think the coach will stick with his favorite back four combination as of late with Jules Kounde at right-back, Pau Cubarsí and Eric Garcia at center-back, and Alejandro Balde at left-back.

Midfield

The comfortable nature of the win over Mallorca allowed Flick to rest Frenkie de Jong for all 90 minutes at the weekend, giving him almost 10 full days off ahead of this one. The Dutchman is expected to return to his pivot spot and we think Flick will continue to roll with the attacking midfield duo of Fermín López and Dani Olmo, although Marc Bernal has played really well lately and could replace one of the two number 10’s if Flick decides to be a little more cautious on the road.

Attack

Raphinha is expected to miss out once again as he continues to recover from his adductor issue, so Marcus Rashford will retain his spot on the left wing after a strong performance at the weekend. Ferran Torres is expected to start ahead of Robert Lewandowski up front, and the on-fire Lamine Yamal will start again looking to continue his amazing form.

Possible XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; Fermín, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Ferran, Rashford (4-3-3)

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Atlético? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!