Barcelona vs Newcastle United: Hansi Flick's Number 9 Debate and Predicted Lineups

On Wednesday evening at 18:45 (CEST), Barcelona will welcome Newcastle United to Camp Nou, aiming to extend their impressive 11-game home winning streak this season. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Catalan giants are aware they must deliver a stronger performance to secure their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Barcelona continues to contend with several key absences due to injury, including Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen. Although Gavi and Eric Garcia have returned to the squad, Gavi is unlikely to feature significantly after an eight-month recovery period. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also faces a depleted squad, missing Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth. However, Anthony Gordon, who was a substitute in the first leg, is nearing full fitness.

Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, anticipates a different match dynamic compared to the first leg, describing it as "a tough match because it's a physical team with an aggressive attitude."

Anticipated Line-up Adjustments for Barcelona

For Barcelona, the primary alteration to the starting eleven is expected to be Eric Garcia stepping in at right-back, replacing Ronald Araujo. While Xavi Espart featured against Sevilla over the weekend, Garcia's return to fitness makes him the favored choice. Another potential change involves Ferran Torres taking Robert Lewandowski's place upfront. Lewandowski started against Sevilla recently and reportedly found it challenging in the initial encounter with Newcastle.

Newcastle United's Expected Single Change

On Newcastle's side, manager Eddie Howe is anticipated to make just one tactical adjustment, with Anthony Gordon likely to start up front in place of Will Osula. Gordon has been influential in their recent clashes, scoring in one of the two previous meetings at St. James' Park this season (a 2-1 Barcelona win and a 1-1 draw last week), and was on the pitch when Harvey Barnes scored.

Suspension Concerns for Both Sides

Both coaches face an additional challenge: a total of eight players are currently one yellow card away from suspension. For Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gerard Martin, and Marc Casado risk missing the quarter-final first leg if they receive a booking in this match, with three of these players potentially starting. Newcastle faces a similar predicament, as Dan Burn, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Joe Willock are also on the verge of suspension.