Overview
After an impressive start to the season, Barcelona are having a very bad time. They failed to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, which once again highlighted serious financial problems.
Blaugrana's morale has also dropped after a recent slump in form. They have won just one of their last seven La Liga games and have been surpassed by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the standings.
More than ever, Barcelona need a win to revive the team. And the match against Barbastro in the Copa Del Rey is the best opportunity for coach Hansi Flick's team to do that.
Barbastro are currently 16th in the Segunda Federacion (Segunda B) - Spain's fourth division. They have lost five of their nine home games this season, scoring nine goals and conceding seven. In every aspect, Barbastro are inferior to Barca.
However, Barbastro are in impressive form with a series of 4 recent unbeaten matches. Remember, Barbastro created a big shock when defeating Espanyol - another Catalan team - with a score of 2-0 to qualify for the round of 32.
The two teams met in the round of 32 of the Copa Del Rey last season. Barcelona defeated Barbastro 3-2. Almost a year later, they will meet again. Despite their poor form, Barcelona still outperform their opponents in every aspect. Therefore, even though they are playing away, Barcelona still have a very good chance of winning.
Human resources situation
Andres Barrera - who has scored seven goals this season - will continue to be the main striker on the left flank for the home team, while Marc Prat and Ander El Haddadi will play supporting roles.
On the other side of the front line, Barcelona are without Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Lamine Yamal due to injury. Ronald Araujo returns from a long-term injury and Szczesny could make his debut in goal.
Expected lineup:
Barbastro: Fabrega, I. Garcia, Arroyo, Santigosa, Bautista, Javito, Jaime, Barrera, El Haddadi, Prat, Albin.
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, E. Garcia, Martin, De Jong, Torre, Fati, Gavi, F. Lopez, Torres.
The match between Barbastro and Barcelona takes place at 1:00 a.m. on January 5 (Vietnam time).
