Barcelona v Feyenoord: Flick expected to keep faith with attacking line-up

FC Barcelona are expected to field a strong and attack-minded side when they begin their UEFA Champions League league-phase campaign against Feyenoord, although Hansi Flick will be without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji because of injury.

The Spanish club go into the fixture as favourites, with their recent form suggesting there could be a significant difference between the teams. Feyenoord, however, are capable of causing problems and will look to frustrate Barcelona before attempting to threaten them on the counter-attack.

Flick is expected to maintain the structure that has become his preferred starting XI. Despite the absences of de Jong and Bardghji, the German coach is regarded as having enough depth to preserve both the quality and freshness of his team.

Joan Garcia is set to start in goal, with Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo forming the expected defensive line.

Pedri, Rodri and Fermin Lopez are predicted to make up the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon are expected to lead the attack.

Barcelona’s predicted line-up

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Pedri, Rodri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon

The proposed selection reflects Flick’s intention to begin the league phase with an attacking approach while retaining balance across the pitch. Barcelona’s creative players will be expected to control possession and put pressure on a Feyenoord defence that is likely to face sustained pressure.

Feyenoord expected to prioritise defensive stability

Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is expected to respond by retaining the central defensive partnership of Tsuyoshi Watanabe and Jerry St. Juste.

The pair will be tasked with dealing with Barcelona’s movement in the final third and limiting the opportunities created by players such as Yamal, Raphinha and Gordon. Feyenoord are also expected to strengthen their midfield, with Charles Vanhoutte included to provide physical presence and greater protection in the centre of the pitch.

On the right wing, Anis Hadj Moussa is set to carry the responsibility of adding pace and unpredictability to Feyenoord’s attack. His role will be to challenge Barcelona’s defensive shape and help the visitors create openings during transitions.

Tjark Ernst is the predicted goalkeeper, with Givairo Read, Watanabe, St. Juste and Mika Marmol named in defence.

Oussama Targhalline, Gjivai Zechiel and Vanhoutte are expected to operate in midfield. Hadj Moussa, Ayase Ueda and Gaoussou Diarra form the likely attacking trio.

Feyenoord’s predicted line-up

Goalkeeper: Tjark Ernst

Defenders: Givairo Read, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Jerry St. Juste, Mika Marmol

Midfielders: Oussama Targhalline, Gjivai Zechiel, Charles Vanhoutte

Forwards: Anis Hadj Moussa, Ayase Ueda, Gaoussou Diarra

Barcelona and Feyenoord will meet in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, with the Catalan side widely considered the stronger team before kick-off. Feyenoord’s defensive organisation, midfield intensity and ability to use Hadj Moussa’s pace will be central to their hopes of making the contest competitive.

The betting odds listed by 1xBet also make Barcelona clear favourites. Barcelona are priced at 1.10 to win, while a draw is listed at 9.00 and a Feyenoord victory at 17.00.