Key Highlights
- Barcelona have conceded at least one goal in nine consecutive games.
- Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araújo are the only fully-fit center backs available for Barcelona.
- Eric García’s status for Sunday’s clash against Celta Vigo is in doubt due to a nasal fracture.
- Barcelona have not won consecutive matches in La Liga since late September.
Defensive Concerns Loom as Barcelona Prepares for Match Against Celta Vigo
Barcelona return to action on Sunday night, facing a crucial test against Celta Vigo in the Spanish La Liga. The team is grappling with a defensive crisis that has seen them concede at least one goal in nine consecutive games – their worst run in over a decade.
Central Defense Shortage
The absence of key defenders is compounding Barcelona’s struggles on the backline. Eric García, who was expected to provide stability alongside Ronald Araújo, has suffered a nasal fracture and his participation against Celta Vigo remains uncertain. This leaves Pau Cubarsí as the only other fully-fit center back at Roberto Flick’s disposal.
“Araújo will captain Barcelona against Celta,” states a report from Sports Illustrated FC. “It’s been difficult for the Uruguayan to lock down a starting role.” The uncertainty surrounding García and the limited options available to Flick have created significant challenges as Barcelona aim to break their current run of form.
Lineup Predictions
The defensive concerns extend beyond just the central back situation. Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to continue between the posts, having narrowly avoided conceding a late goal in their recent Champions League match against Club Brugge. Jules Koundé will start at right-back, despite his struggles this season, as Barcelona lack a suitable backup.
“Araújo will captain Barcelona,” notes Roberto Casillas, “and it’s been difficult for the Uruguayan to secure a starting position.” Filling in alongside Araújo is Pau Cubarsí, who has had to sit out recent games after underwhelming performances.
His return could be pivotal as Barcelona seek to shore up their defense.
At left-back, Alejandro Balde will start despite his defensive shortcomings in the previous match. However, he demonstrated brilliance in a recent victory against Elche, collecting his first goal involvement of the season. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo form the spine, with De Jong anchoring Barcelona’s defense amidst chaos.
On attack, Lamine Yamal will lead the charge from the right wing, having performed well in their Champions League encounter against Club Brugge.
Fermín López and Marcus Rashford round out the lineup, with Rashford set to start once again despite Raphinha’s absence. Robert Lewandowski is expected to partner them up front.
Chasing Real Madrid
A win against Celta Vigo could provide Barcelona with the momentum they need to end a series of negative streaks and close in on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The reigning champions are eager to regain their winning form before the November international break.
“A win would put an end to our negative streak,” Casillas explains, “something we sorely need in our pursuit of Madrid.” Barcelona’s potential lineup is a direct response to their defensive issues and an attempt by Flick to find stability at both ends of the pitch.
The match against Celta Vigo on Sunday night will be closely watched as it sets the stage for Barcelona’s upcoming challenges. With a solid lineup in place, the team hopes to turn things around and secure valuable points before facing further tests in La Liga and European competitions.
