Will Olmo Make A Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Barcelona Lineup To Face Real Madrid

Despite a comprehensive semi-final victory against Athletic Club, Barcelona were all over the news for the controversial registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor before Sunday’s ‘El Classico’ in the Super Cup final. They would seek revenge for last year’s shambolic 4-1 defeat in Riyadh, and the confidence must be sky-high following October’s 4-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu in a crucial La Liga encounter.

Despite a blistering start to their campaign, Hansi Flick’s men are struggling in the league with just one win in their last seven fixtures. Los Blancos often step up their game in the finals and the Catalans, relying on an array of La Masia prospects, must defy the odds to conquer the silverware.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Barcelona Lineup To Face Real Madrid

 Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegan is ruled out for the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September. Wojciech Szczęsny came out of retirement to join them on a Bosman, and the veteran Polish ace should keep his place over Inaki Pena after back-to-back commanding Cup performances against Barbastro and Bilbao.

Jules Kounde has cemented his place down the right since completing a summer move from Sevilla in the summer of 2022. Flick has promoted 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi to the first-team set-up, as the talented centre-half is expected to get the nod over Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia to partner with experienced Inigo Martinez in the heart of the backline.

Another homegrown prodigy, Alex Balde is now the preferred left fullback option over Gerard Martin.

Midfield

Frenkie de Jong is no longer the first-choice on big occasions. The Dutchman has lost his place to the young duo Pedri and Marc Casado who have formed a ‘double pivot’ deep down the midfield. Their work rate and technicality could help them dictate the game in the centre of the pitch.

Olmo, now available for selection, should fight for his place after Gavi’s midweek mastery. He not only broke the deadlock against the Basque outfit but also set it up for Lamine Yamal who doubled the lead soon after the half-time break. The latter must keep Ferland Mendy on his toes, and so would Raphinha, who enjoyed his time against Lucas Vazquez at Bernabeu. Olmo, Victor, Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres, could be deployed as substitutes to add more flair and firepower in and around the attacking third.

Attack

Robert Lewandowski is still going strong at 36 with 25 goals in 26 outings across competitions. His poaching traits might cause menace in the decimated Madrid defence if chances are created from the middle of the park.