FC Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao on 25th May, away from home, at the San Mames Stadium. This game is the last matchday of this La Liga season. Barcelona has been crowned the Champions of this season, but they need to get over the line with another convincing victory. Let’s discuss what we could expect in the final clash of the season.
The Importance
This is the final game of the season, and though the season is complete, this game could be important in terms of next season’s preparation. Unfortunately, Barcelona is not included in the Club World Cup Bracket, so Barcelona players will have enough rest before the next season. But the question that is important and decides our next season is opportunities. Will Flick give opportunities to players who are on the verge of leaving the club next season?
This game could decide potential departures, including names of Ansu Fati, Pau Victor, Araujo and others. The thing is, the winning or losing of this game doesn’t matter much. Tomorrow’s lineup will be the deciding factor for many players, and it could be clear what is done for their future. If the starting lineup features players linked to a move, this could hint that Flick has decided to give them a last opportunity, a last display to prove themselves at the club. If the lineup is strong which includes players in form, this will confirm that Flick and the board have made important decisions and the players are ready to pack their bags.
I believe Flick should rest the big stars and opt for players who are on the Red List. I want these players to show their worth in maybe their final minutes in this Blaugrana jersey.
Expected LineupS
According to reports from Barca Blaugranes, Flick could make big rotations to his squad to rest the stars in form as they have to fulfill International Duties before the end of the season. Currently, there are no major injuries in the team, but Ferran Toress will miss the game due to the appendix surgery he underwent last week. But the expected lineup could feature: Marc-André ter Stegen as the starting goalkeeper for tomorrow’s clash.
The expected defensive line for this game could be Eric Garcia at right-back, with Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi pairing up at the core of the defense, and Alejandro Balde at the left-back position. The midfield could feature the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez. For the attacking trio, Flick might go for the same powerhouses which include Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha. The formation could be 4-2-3-1, as we have seen the whole season.
According to reports, Ernesto Valverde’s men will line up in the following order. Unai Simón would likely feature in the goal. The defense could be Iñigo Lekue at the right-back position, Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes at the center of the backline, and Adama Boiro at the left-back position. Yuri Berchiche, Ohian Sancet, Benat Prados, and Iñigo de Galarreta could feature in the midfield. Lastly, Álex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta could lead the attacking duties. The formation could be a traditional 4-4-2.