Olmo, Ferran start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Madrid | OneFootball

After a bit of drama and controversy last night, the Copa del Rey final is set to go ahead as planned tonight at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville as Barcelona and Real Madrid square off for the trophy.

There was a brief period on Friday night when dark clouds of uncertainty were cast over the match after Real Madrid demanded a change of referees for the game and boycotted all official pre-match events, including the press conference and training session.

In the end, though, common sense prevailed and Los Blancos confirmed that they would play the match despite making it clear that they were far from happy with the comments made by the match officials leading up to the game.

Barcelona, for their part, kept their focus on preparing for the match even as the drama unfolded and will be aiming to secure their third win of the season over their bitter rivals.

Hansi Flick has been boosted by the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the Copa del Rey final, but Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casado remain unavailable through injuries.

With that in mind, here’s how the German tactician is likely to set up his Barcelona side tonight in Seville as he looks for his second trophy with the club.

Defence

Even though Marc-Andre ter Stegen is back in the squad, there is simply no question about Wojciech Szczesny being the starter in goal for Barcelona tonight given the Pole’s performances and the fact that Ter Stegen has not played in seven months.

As for the defensive line, there will be some changes to the team that started against RCD Mallorca in La Liga earlier in the week.

Jules Kounde should walk back into the side at right-back after resting for the first time in a long while. Gerard Martin is expected to get the nod at left-back in the absence of Alejandro Balde, even though Hector Fort performed well in the role in midweek.

Pau Cubarsi should return to the lineup as well, replacing Ronald Araujo as the centre-back partner of veteran star Inigo Martinez.

Midfield

Gavi likely to be benched. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick has some interesting decisions to make when it comes to the midfield department given the options he has at his disposal.

What is certain, though, is that Pedri will take up one of the two pivot positions in the centre of the park, having been in terrific form of late which led to him winning the La Liga Player of the Month Award for April.

Even though Gavi partnered Pedri against Mallorca and did well, the young fan favourite is likely to make way for Frenkie de Jong, who returns to the stadium where he won his first major trophy with Barcelona back in 2021.

Flick will have to choose between Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Olmo for the No. 10 position. While each player brings a unique quality of his own that can make a big difference on the night, Olmo is likely to edge out his compatriots for the starting spot.

Attack

Robert Lewandowski’s absence leaves Barcelona without one of their most lethal weapons in the attacking unit.

However, Ferran Torres has proven himself more than capable of filling in as the No. 9 and is already the top scorer in Copa del Rey. He will look to hurt Real Madrid with his movement in the final third.

The wide areas will, without a doubt, be occupied by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, who will make life difficult for Los Blancos’ full-backs.