Pedri, Cubarsi start in a 4-3-3 – How Barcelona can line up against Galatasaray

· BarcaUniversal

UEFA Champions League returns tonight and one of the favourites, FC Barcelona will be in action in Turkiye as they ace off against Galatasaray at the Rams Park Arena in Istanbul. The Blaugrana have made a perfect start to the 2026/27 season, winning each of their nine matches so far, including their Champions League opener […] The post Pedri, Cubarsi start in a 4-3-3 – How Barcelona can line up against Galatasaray appeared first on Barca Universal .

UEFA Champions League returns tonight and one of the favourites, FC Barcelona will be in action in Turkiye as they ace off against Galatasaray at the Rams Park Arena in Istanbul .

The Blaugrana have made a perfect start to the 2026/27 season, winning each of their nine matches so far, including their Champions League opener against Feyenoord (5-1).

Following the international break, Barcelona returned to action this past weekend with a convincing 3-0 victory over Getafe and will be intent on extending their excellent run of form.

Facing Galatasaray in their own backyard will be anything but easy, though, considering the Turkish giants are unbeaten at home so far this term coupled with the daunting atmosphere that their fans create.

So, a stern test awaits for Hansi Flick & co. tonight as they get set to face Galatasaray without their club captain Raphinha, as he continues to recover from a minor injury.

Meanwhile, the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, and Roony Bardghji also remain unavailable for the La Liga champions for tonight’s contest.

With some changes expected to the lineup that started against Getafe, here’s how Barcelona could take the field tonight in Istanbul.

Defence

Joan Garcia made his return from an injury layoff over the weekend and secured a clean sheet. He will continue in the Barcelona goal and will hope to record another shut-out.

Meanwhile, there will be notable tweaks in the defensive line, starting with the return of key defender Pau Cubarsi , who was completely rested against Getafe by Flick.

The La Masia graduate is expected to partner up with Gerard Martin , who recently made his 100th appearance for the Blaugrana .

Eric Garcia , who played at centre-back against Getafe, will move to the right-back position, meaning Jules Kounde will be benched despite scoring in the weekend clash. On the left side of the defence, Joao Cancelo is expected to replace youngster Xavi Espart.

Midfield

Rodri has quickly become a key cog in the Barcelona midfield unit after arriving from Manchester City in the summer. His composure, experience, and leadership will be crucial for the team in what could be a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, there is expected to be a change in his partners in midfield. Pedri , who was left out of the starting XI against Getafe, should be reinstated for tonight’s game, coming in at the expense of Gavi.

Finally, Fermin Lopez is expected to slot in as the third midfielder for Barcelona, ahead of Dani Olmo, who is going through an inconsistent patch of form.

Attack

Raphinha’s absence due to injury leaves Barcelona without their preferred choice in the centre-forward position. But summer signing Gabriel Jesus stepped up in his absence against Getafe and scored his third goal, which could be enough to earn him another start tonight.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is a guaranteed starter on the right flank for the Catalans and will be key to their chances of returning with three points in the bag.

On the left side of the attack, there may be a change with Karim Adeyemi getting a shot in place of Anthony Gordon as Flick continues to rotate between the two summer arrivals.

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