How will Barcelona line up against Cornella?

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Time for a local derby on an artificial pitch

Barcelona kick off their 2020-21 Copa del Rey campaign on Thursday with a short trip to Cornella.

The third tier side knocked out Atletico Madrid in the last round and so should not be taken lightly, but this is undoubtedly a chance for the youngsters and fringe players to shine.

Let’s look at how they might line up:

Defense

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There could well be plenty of changes in defense, starting in goal with Neto likely to get a rare run out in place of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Right-back seems to be an issue with Sergi Roberto still out and Sergino Dest also a doubt after going off at half-time of Sunday’s defeat to Athletic.

Oscar Mingueza could get the nod on the right flank which means Ronald Araujo may continue at center-back alongside Samuel Umtiti. Junior Firpo is expected to come in at left-back with Jordi Alba dropping out.

Midfield

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This is where it might just get really interesting. Miralem Pjanic surely has to start this one, while Riqui Puig also looks guaranteed a place in the line-up.

All of which leaves one spot up for grabs. Pedri looked tired and in need of a rest against Athletic and could sit this one out, while Frenkie de Jong may also get a breather.

Ilaix Moriba has been training with the first-team and may just debut (although as a substitute seems more likely) and then there’s Matheus Fernandes who we have seen precious little of since he arrived.

Attack

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Koeman doesn’t have too many options in attack with captain Lionel Messi out after being handed a two-game ban for his red card in the Super Cup.

Martin Braithwaite looks set to come back into the team for this one and could be joined by Antoine Griezmann who is on a good run of goalscoring form.

Francisco Trincao should also get another chance to impress. The youngster has found it tough going so far at Barcelona but this is a great opportunity to show what we can do.

Gill’s-Copa-del-Rey-this-might-be-fun XI: Neto; Mingueza, Araujo, Umtiti, Junior; Ilaix, Pjanic, Puig; Trincao, Braithwaite, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Cornella? Let us know your teams, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com