Araujo in, €5m player out – Predicted Barcelona line-up to face Real Betis in the Copa del Rey | OneFootball

The grind never stops for FC Barcelona, and Hansi Flick’s men will already be looking at their next challenge. After crushing Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, La Blaugrana will undoubtedly have a lot of momentum on their side. Now, right afterwards, Barcelona are set to take on Real Betis in the Copa del Rey.

With this game being Barça’s challenge for the Round of 16, it is a one-off encounter that Hansi Flick’s team cannot afford to lose. A win here would see Barcelona go straight to the quarterfinals, so it is expected that the Catalan giants will field a strong eleven.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for the cup encounter.

Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena

With Wojciech Szczesny set to miss this game due to the red card he received against Real Madrid, Inaki Pena would be the natural replacement. The Spaniard played a part in the final of the Spanish Super Cup as well, and his recent form has been solid enough for Hansi Flick to trust him again.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

A stunning assist from Jules Kounde to Raphinha was just one of the many contributions the Frenchman made in the last game. He remains consistent and strong for Barcelona, and his place in the starting eleven seems to be secure as well.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

The last game saw Inigo Martinez get replaced early due to injury, and this could now pave the way for Ronald Araujo to get back into the starting line-up again. Despite all the noise surrounding his future, he should be available for Barcelona in the upcoming game.

With the €5 million-rated Spaniard out, this could be a big game for Araujo. It remains to be seen if some new opportunities can end up changing what his future looks like, but it might be safe to assume that Hansi Flick would not want to lose the Uruguayan defender at this point of the season.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Despite being just 17-years-old, Pau Cubarsi has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. Coupled with his defensive abilities, the youngster’s unreal ability to progress the ball is one of the weapons that makes this Barcelona team so dangerous in transitions.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

Brilliant in the last game, Alejandro Balde continues to showcase his ability to be deadly when it comes to using his astonishing pace. Always a threat when it comes to counterattacks, he is also just as useful when it comes to helping his defenders out to stop counters from the opposition.

CDM: Marc Casado

The backbone of this team when it comes to energy and intensity, Marc Casado is essentially Hansi Flick’s extension on the pitch. He was once again crucial against Real Madrid, and he will likely be called upon into action against Betis as well.

CDM: Pedri

The Spaniard is the heart of this Barcelona team in many ways, and he will be needed against a Real Betis side that likes to take teams head on. Whether it be his creativity or his ability to control the tempo of the game, Pedri will surely be a part of this match.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The boy wonder continues to show up for Barcelona when they need him the most, and he makes the entire team look better when he’s playing. Against Real Madrid, when Hansi Flick’s team went a goal, it was Yamal who lifted them back up with his superb goal and the magic he produced throughout the game. Should definitely be starting against Betis.

While he did not get to start against Real Madrid, Dani Olmo came on once Barcelona went a man down and was important in ensuring that his team stayed in control. Against Real Betis, however, it may be time to finally start him again with his registration issues now behind him.

Man of the match in the Spanish Super Cup final, Raphinha has shown time and time again this season that he is the player for the big occasions. With two goals and an assist in the last match, the Brazilian winger and team captain should definitely be starting in the upcoming game.

With a great performance against Real Madrid, one in which he both scored himself and assisted as well, Robert Lewandowski will be eager for more. Having already matched his goal tally from last season, the Polish ace should be motivated to reach even taller heights.