With Lamine Yamal, Balde, Gavi and Firmin Lopez all out through injury, manager Hansi Flick is expected to make some changes to his starting eleven for the La Liga match against Real Oviedo.
With the crucial matches against Real Sociedad and PSG approaching, Flick is likely to manage the minutes of some key players, fielding a strong team against the newly promoted team.
He is expected to set up a 4-2-3-1 formation, with John Garcia in goal, Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin on the flanks in the back line. Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi will play as central defenders.
The major change in defence will see Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen rested for the crucial matches against Real Sociedad and PSG.
This is where Flick’s rotation will be most apparent. The manager has indicated that he will use Frenkie de Jong less, making Marc Casado a strong candidate to start in the holding role. Casado will play alongside Pedri.
The absence of the injured Fermin Lopez opens the door for Dani Olmo to start in his preferred No. 10 role. Olmo’s intelligence, movement, and quick passing between the lines will be key to unlocking what is expected to be a deep Oviedo defense.
Rafinha will take place on the right wing in the attacking setup after Lamine Yamal’s absence. Rashford, who scored a brilliant 2-0 winner against NEWCASTLE in the UCL, will put pressure on the left wing.
With Robert Lewandowski at 36, he needs to manage his workload. Ferran has started the season brilliantly, and his movement and finishing confidence make him a capable deputy. This paves the way for Ferran Torres to lead the line. He will take his place.
He will be supported by Marcus Rashford on the left and the pace and directness of Rafinha on the right. This front three provides immense pace and goal threat, which should be overwhelming for the struggling Oviedo team.
Marc Bernal will wait for his chance on the bench. The German coach admitted in a press conference that patience is needed as Bernal joins the team after recovering from a serious injury, but he believes the Spaniard is ready to become a starter at any time.
