News

FC Barcelona Announce Champions League Squad for Slavia Prague Match, Yamal Out

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • Lamine Yamal is suspended and out of the squad due to yellow card accumulation.
  • Barcelona predicted lineup features Joan García in goal, with Koundé, Cubarsí/Eric García, and Cancelo/Balde in defense; De Jong and Pedri in midfield; Bardghji, López/Fermín, Raphinha, and Lewandowski up front.
  • Slavia Prague, winless in the Champions League, fields a near-full-strength side led by Chorý and Provod after a month-long competitive break.
  • Barcelona holds 10 points (15th place); Slavia has 3 points (34th place); kickoff at 3:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. GMT.
  • Predictions favor Barcelona 0-2 win, motivated post-Real Sociedad loss.

Table of Contents

  • Estimated Reading Time
  • Key Takeaways
  • Table of Contents
  • Background
  • Current Status
  • Analysis
  • Implications
  • Match Timeline
  • Key Quotes
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Background

FC Barcelona faces Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League league phase Matchday 7. This crucial encounter takes place at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic.

Barcelona enters this match sitting 15th with 10 points. They need victories in their final two games to secure a top-eight finish and avoid playoffs.

Slavia Prague, conversely, occupies 34th place with 3 points from three draws and three defeats. They are currently on the brink of elimination, despite a domestic form buoyed by attackers Tomáš Chorý and Lukáš Provod.

Current Status

Barcelona announced its squad, notably without Lamine Yamal, who is suspended for yellow card accumulation. This is a significant blow to their attack, especially following an 11-game winning streak that was recently snapped by a defeat to Real Sociedad.

Raphinha returns from a minor thigh knock, bolstering the lineup. However, Ferran Torres is sidelined for about 10 days with a minor injury. Robert Lewandowski is set to start, seeking his first Champions League goal this term.

Predicted Barcelona lineups show slight variations. A common 4-2-3-1 formation includes Joan García in goal; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, and Cancelo in defense; De Jong and Pedri in midfield; Bardghji, López or Fermín, Raphinha, and Lewandowski upfront. Other adjustments might feature Gerard Martín and Balde. Long-term absentees include Gavi and Christensen.

Slavia Prague enters the match mostly healthy after their winter break, missing only long-term injured Dominik Javorček, Filip Horsky, and Petr Ševčík. Their predicted 4-4-1-1 formation could include Staněk; Holeš, Vlček, Chaloupek, Zima; Douděra, Moses, Sadílek, Sanyang; Provod; and Chorý.

Recent form shows Slavia’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham, contrasting with Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. GMT).

Analysis

Lineup predictions for Barcelona indicate minor conflicts, particularly concerning defensive positions like Cancelo versus Balde, or the potential inclusion of Martín. These suggest likely rotations under Hansi Flick, especially given Balde’s recent struggles and Cancelo’s return to fitness.

Barcelona’s attack remains formidable even without Yamal. Bardghji is a strong replacement candidate, and Raphinha is pivotal, having been key to their prior 11-game winning streak.

Slavia’s lack of rhythm from a month without competitive games contrasts with Barcelona’s recent momentum. However, the home atmosphere could still pose an upset risk. Despite this, predictions unanimously back Barcelona, with a common score prediction of 0-2.

Although an official UEFA squad list confirming every detail is awaited, multiple reliable outlets consistently report Yamal’s absence.

Implications

A win would net Barcelona three vital points toward securing a top-eight position. Failure to win risks sending them into playoffs, despite their domestic strength under Flick.

For Slavia, a maiden Champions League win continues to elude them. However, exploiting Barcelona’s occasionally shaky defense, potentially through Chorý and Provod, could significantly boost team morale.

In a broader context, transfer speculation continues, with reports of Deco meeting Julián Álvarez’s representatives as Robert Lewandowski’s deal approaches its expiry.

Match Timeline

  • Recently: Barcelona endured an underwhelming Champions League start, sitting 15th with 10 points. Their latest Champions League win was 2-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt, featuring a Koundé brace.
  • Before the matchday: Barcelona’s 11-game win streak ended in a defeat to Real Sociedad. Raphinha was absent due to a thigh knock.
  • Pre-match announcement: FC Barcelona announced their Champions League squad for Slavia Prague. Lamine Yamal was ruled out due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
  • Match kickoff: Slavia Prague vs Barcelona at Fortuna Arena, 3:00 p.m. ET.

Key Quotes

The biggest issue hindering Barcelona is Lamine Yamal will miss the contest due to suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Raphinha is, without a doubt, the most important player in FC Barcelona’s squad right now.

An underwhelming start to their Champions League campaign means Barcelona no longer have margin for error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Lamine Yamal not playing?

Lamine Yamal is suspended for the match due to accumulating yellow cards in previous Champions League fixtures.

What is Barcelona’s standing in the Champions League?

Barcelona is currently in 15th place with 10 points, needing wins in their final matches to secure a top-eight spot.

Is Raphinha available for the match?

Yes, Raphinha has returned from a minor thigh injury and is expected to be available for selection.

What is Slavia Prague’s Champions League record so far?

Slavia Prague has 3 points from three draws and three losses and is winless in the Champions League, currently near elimination.

Are there any other notable absences for Barcelona?

Ferran Torres is sidelined with a minor injury, and long-term absentees include Gavi and Christensen.