It’s getting to the point of the season where the games begin to come thick and fast. And that’s where we begin tonight. Just a few days after our game against Real Betis, we’re back in action tonight in yet another huge game in our season. Another away game. At a very difficult stadium, under the lights, with huge pressure coming with it. This evening, at 9;30pm local time, its the quarter finals of the Copa Del Rey. And we’ll be facing up against Athletic Club.
Athletic are a very good and solid team. A team that has been enduring a very impressive season so far under our former coach Ernesto Valverde. They’re fighting in the top 6 and they’re not that far off the top 4 either.
A strong defence and talent upfront means that this is going to be one of the biggest tests of our season so far. Especially when you consider that its being played away at San Mamés. A hostile environment at the best of times. To get anything out of this, we’re going to have to turn up. We’re going to have to be at our very best. Nothing below that. And we’ll be looking to hopefully build on from our last refinance against Betis. Let’s jump straight into it.
A Quick Look at our opponents:
Like I’ve mentioned above, Athletic are going to be a very difficult game. They’re an impressive team with a solid foundation. As well as some super talents like Sancet and Nico Williams who can do you damage. As well as the usual suspects like Iñaki Williams, Muniain and Raul who always turn it up a level when they face us. Away at San Mamés means that its going to be a very intense atmosphere. And its something else we’re going to have to fight against. Regardless, tonight is a huge test.
Predicted lineup:
When it comes to the lineup, for me, there’s only one change id make. And that comes in attack. Against Betis, it was one of our most impressive displays of the season. We need consistency and we need to build momentum. So why not keep the team the exact same. Young Pau Cubarsi debuted against Betis and was really impressive. He did have to come off due to cramp, but if he’s ready, id put him into tonight’s lineup. Lamine Yamal was simply incredible on the weekend, so it’ll be good to see him again. But yeah, the only change id make is Lewandowski. I doubt this will happen, but it would be another brave call from Xavi. I’d bench Lewandowski, play Ferran down the middle with Felix and Yamal either side. All 3 of them impressed against Betis, so all 3 should keep their place. Roque came on and gave us something fresh with his movement. The goals will come for him, but id definitely sub him on again later on in the game. Cancelo and Christensen are both back in the team, but i doubt either will be chucked straight back into the lineup.
My starting 11:
Kounde- Araujo- Cubarsi- Balde
Pedri- Gundogan- Frenkie
Yamal- Ferran- Felix
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