Hansi Flick could go with a very attacking Barcelona lineup when they welcome Borussia Dortmund to Monjuic in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
As top scorers in both La Liga and the Champions League, it is no secret that Barcelona’s attack has been their strength this season, but with Dani Olmo set to miss out with a muscle problem, Flick has a decision to make about who fills that gap.
Gavi is the more balanced option, and he did his chances of another start the world of good after scoring their only goal in the 1-1 draw with Real Betis at the weekend, but if Flick is feeling adventurous, the man who teed him up could get the nod instead.
That man is Ferran Torres, who has been in excellent form in 2025, despite very rarely getting a start over the likes of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
Ferran scored in three games in a row following the international break, which came just after he netted a brace in their league win over Atletico Madrid, before registering an assist on Saturday night.
Raphinha was given a rest at the weekend, but there is no doubt he will be the first name on the teamsheet on Wednesday night, as he is now becoming a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or.
With 11 goals and five assists in 10 Champions League games this season, Raphinha is just three goal involvements shy of equalling Lionel Messi‘s club competition record for the most in one campaign, set in 2011-12.
Lewandowski and Yamal were not afforded a rest on Saturday, but both should still start in a front three that could etch itself in history alongside the illustrious trio of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, if they can lead the club to a sixth Champions League.
At the back, Inigo Martinez is on course to return after missing the international break and the weekend’s fixture with Betis, but it is believed that was more as a precaution than anything else.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains out for the season, but Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement to sign for the club after the German’s injury, has proven to be more than a capable deputy.
Along with Olmo, midfield pairing Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are also both on the treatment table at the present for the hosts, and neither are expected to feature again this season.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Click here to see how Dortmund could line up for the first leg.
