Robert Lewandowski will play his final home game for Barcelona when they host Real Betis at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Real Betis to Spotify Camp Nou for their first home game on Sunday night. Hansi Flick has no new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The German tactician continues to sweat over the fitness of Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong, with the duo unlikely to start on Sunday. Additionally, Lamine Yamal remains in the treatment room due to a hamstring injury.
However, Raphinha is available after serving a suspension in the league game against Deportivo Alaves earlier this week. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick discussed Robert Lewandowski’s upcoming Camp Nou farewell after the veteran Polish striker announced his impending exit as a free agent this summer. Additionally, he confirmed a starting berth for the departing centre-forward.
The Barcelona manager said, “Lewandowski spoke to the squad and said his goodbyes. It’s been a great chapter for him and he made that very clear. For me, it’s been a privilege to work with him because he’s a true professional. He’s a role model, which is why he’s still performing at this level. Now he wants a new challenge and we respect that.”
“He’s a great person, a great player and a fantastic example for the younger players. At Spotify Camp Nou, in front of our fans, he deserves a great farewell. He’s always given everything. Watching the way he works is incredible. He’s always been there in both the good moments and the difficult ones. His mentality has always been top class. He’s scored so many goals for us. We’ll miss him a lot. Now it’s up to us to find a way to replace him in the future.”
Wojciech Szczesny will continue between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Real Betis on Sunday. The backline will feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Alvaro Cortes, and Alejandro Balde.
As for the midfield unit, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado will pair up in the central areas again, with Dani Olmo reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the home side against Real Betis, with Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cortes, Balde; Bernal, Casado; Bardghji, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
