Barcelona Predicted XI vs Chelsea: Araujo and De Jong Return in Bold 4-2-3-1 Setup
Barcelona face Chelsea in a crucial Champions League clash. Predicted 4-2-3-1 lineup includes Araujo and Frenkie de Jong returning, with Lewandowski leading the attack.
A heavyweight showdown awaits at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host FC Barcelona in a crucial UEFA Champions League clash. Both sides are level on seven points after four matches, with qualification pressure intensifying as they fight for a place in the knockout phase.
Barcelona enter the fixture riding high following a dominant win over Athletic Club and their emotional homecoming at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. Confidence is further boosted by key returns to the squad — although star midfielder Pedri remains sidelined.
Head coach Hansi Flick is expected to refresh his lineup with strategic adjustments. Here’s how Barcelona could line up in London.
Defense: Araujo Partners Cubarsi
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia returned from injury last weekend and immediately kept a clean sheet, securing his spot between the posts once again.
On the backline:
• Alejandro Balde is fit despite a minor head knock and will begin at left-back.
• Jules Kounde, who famously rejected a Chelsea transfer in 2022, is set for the right-back role against familiar faces.
• At centre-back, teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi will retain his position after stellar form.
• He will likely be joined by Ronald Araujo, who is expected to replace makeshift starter Gerard Martin. Andreas Christensen should start on the bench on his return to his former club.
Midfield: De Jong Returns, Eric Garcia Holds Pivot
Barcelona are still without Pedri and Gavi, but Frenkie de Jong is available again after suspension and will return to the double pivot.
Alongside him, Flick is expected to trust Eric Garcia as a defensive midfielder following his impressive outing against Athletic. Youngster Marc Bernal remains a bench option.
Ahead of them, Fermin Lopez continues to cement his place as the creative No. 10, pushing Dani Olmo into a possible substitute role.
Attack: Yamal, Ferran and Lewandowski Lead the Charge
Marcus Rashford has recovered from illness, but Barcelona’s attacking trio delivered too strongly to justify changes:
• Ferran Torres on the left wing
• Robert Lewandowski at striker
• Lamine Yamal on the right, set to duel against his Spain teammate and ex-Barça full-back Marc Cucurella
Raphinha and Rashford are expected to contribute heavily off the bench, giving Flick valuable firepower in the second half.
Predicted Barcelona Starting XI
Joan Garcia;
Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde;
De Jong, Eric Garcia;
Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres;
Lewandowski
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