Rashford to Lead Barca’s Jury-Rigged XI in Crunch Champions League Clash

Lineup under pressure as injuries bite Barça

English forward Marcus Rashford is set to lead Barcelona’s expected starting XI against Olympiakos on Tuesday, as head coach Hans Flick reshuffles the side for the third group-stage game of the UEFA Champions League, with several notable absences forcing tactical tweaks.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick will be without seven key players including Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Olmo, Gavi, and the goalkeepers Juan Garcia and Ter Stegen, pushing him to balance attack and defense carefully.

Speculation centers on who will partner Ronald Araújo in central defense; Pau Cubarsi is named the likeliest option, though Eric Garcia remains an alternative alongside the Uruguayan who has proven essential this season.

Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to guard the Barça goal given the current injuries, a surprising choice for some but a clear solution for the moment.

On the flanks, Flick may rest Jules Koundé by fielding Eric Garcia on the right, while Balde is expected to retain the left-back slot, unless the coach surprises with Gerard Martin in a broader defensive shape.

In midfield, Flick is expected to rely on Frenkie de Jong and Pedri in the double pivot, with Fermin López returning from injury to operate ahead of them, after he featured for 45 minutes against Girona and spoke to the press beforehand, boosting his chances of starting.

With attacking options limited due to injuries, De Jong might operate slightly higher, with Casado alongside Pedri in the middle. On the left, Lopez could again be deployed, especially if Rashford remains the central striker; on the right, Lamine Yamal continues to be the regular starter given his readiness and form.

The coach gave Toni Fernández a run-out in the last meeting with Girona, but a repeat appearance seems unlikely due to his inexperience, making Rashford the logical leader of the attack, particularly after recent praise from Flick.

Ronald Araújo’s partner in central defense remains a talking point, with Ronny Bardji among other options, while De Jong would drop back to defensive midfield as Casado starts on the bench if plans shift.

Press conference notes

Flick acknowledged the need to “change his behavior” after a red card against Girona for disputing a decision and for a hand gesture after a last-minute goal by Araújo against Girona.

Speaking ahead of Olympiakos, he said, “I am not emotional, but my feelings aren’t what they used to be.” He added that he loves Barcelona and gives his all, and that he does not want his grandchildren to see their granddad act that way, so a change is required.

He also discussed defensive difficulties, saying the team must improve positioning and avoid giving opponents space, which has left the defense exposed lately.

Flick reminded everyone that Barça is missing Lewandowski, Olmo, Gavi, and several goalkeepers; Rafinha and Torres remain sidelined for Olympiakos but could be fit for the Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.

On Olympiakos, Flick warned that the Greek side has a strong attack and is among the best offensively; they created chances against Arsenal, so Barça must be vigilant with discipline in defense and pressing.

Asked about Arsene Wenger’s suggested changes to offside rules, Flick replied that he has no concrete idea and respects Wenger, but will comment only when clearer; for now, the topic isn’t on the immediate agenda.

He stressed the difficulty of defending and the danger of losing compactness if players drift too far apart, underscoring the need for balance between spacing and pressing against a team with elite players.

Flick noted that Rafinha, Torres, and others remain unavailable for Olympiakos but could be back for the Clasico against Real Madrid, while the team must stay focused against a determined Olympiakos side that impressed against Arsenal.

In closing, he praised Olympiakos’s attacking threat and the coach’s method, while also acknowledging Wenger’s tactical mind and the reality that football rarely offers simple answers.

And yes, even in the middle of a European night, Flick and Barça’s match plan still has room for a few surprises—because in football, predictability is just another word for “goalkeeper's union.”

What this means for the game

Barça’s injury crisis has forced a pragmatic lineup that leans on Rashford’s versatility and López’s recent form. If the plan works, Barca will hit Olympiakos with a compact defense and quick transitions through Rashford on the frontline, with Yamal providing width and pace on the right.

Expect a test of Barça’s depth and tactical adaptability, with the Greek side eyeing a repeat of their Arsenal performance and aiming to exploit any overextension in Barça’s occupancy of space.

Bottom line: this match could hinge on how quickly the new defensive pairing finds cohesion and how effectively Rashford can unlock a defense missing several stars. A win would keep Barça on track in a tricky group, while a stumble would raise questions about the depth of the squad in a season where every point counts.

Punchline 1: If Flick’s XI were a sniper rifle, the fire rate would be impressive, but the instruction manual would be in five different languages—good luck decoding it mid-match.

Punchline 2: Barcelona’s defense is like a highly anticipated blockbuster trailer—promises a lot, delivers a twist, and you still end up buying popcorn just to see if the scene holds together.