Barcelona host Real Betis tonight at the Spotify Camp Nou for Matchday 37 of La Liga. The title is already wrapped up and the chance to break the 100-point barrier ended in defeat against Alaves last weekend. What remains now is football, and there is one story that makes tonight more interesting than the table indicates:
Robert Lewandowski confirmed he is set to leave Barcelona at the end of the season. Tonight's fixture is likely to be his final appearance at the Spotify Camp Nou in a Barca shirt, with Flick likely to pick him to play in attack once again.
Flick's Likely Line Up: 4-2-3-1
GK: Joan Garcia
Gets the start with Szczesny acting as his backup. He has been one of the best goalkeepers this season.
RB: Eric Garcia
Starts at right back with Kounde unsure of his future at the club amid speculation of a summer departure.
CB: Pau Cubarsi
The 19-year-old has been one of the most consistent players in Flick's system all year round.
CB: Gerard Martin
Martin starts for another opportunity at the back replacing the newest La Masia gem Alvaro Cortes from last match.
LB: Joao Cancelo
Provides width going forward and overlapping runs that Flick loves down the left hand side of the pitch. After a not so impressive display by Balde against Alaves, Cancelo would be extra motivated to prove his worth.
CM: Gavi
Holds together the double pivot alongside Pedri as the player is constantly breaking up play and covering ground.
CM: Pedri
Partners Gavi in the middle of the park to create the engine room of Barcelona.
RW: Marcus Rashford
Carries the threat on the right for injured Lamine Yamal. He has 8 goals and 7 assists this season in La Liga.
CAM: Dani Olmo
The number 10 role suits Olmo when fit; links midfield and attack in tight spaces.
LW: Fermin Lopez
The player gets the nod on the left hand side. Though not his preferred position, he has excelled in various positions this season, and has one of the most goal contributions in Europe for a number 10.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
Starts up top, almost certainly for the last time at the Spotify Camp Nou as a Barcelona player.
Things to look out for this evening:
A fond farewell to Lewandowski
The announcement of Lewandowski's departure on Saturday has somewhat changed the context around this match, but if there is one thing that people will take away from tonight, it will be how Barcelona fans give him the send-off that he deserves.
Lewandowski gave 119 goals in a Barca shirt and arrived when the club was in a serious state of financial crisis; few would have arrived, fewer would have delivered so well. Lewandowski's Barcelona legacy is massively undersold.
Lewandowski currently stands on 11th position for Barcelona's all time goal scorers list. He will need to score at least 1 goal in his last 2 matches to sneak in to the top 10 Barcelona scorers of all-time: a feat he would surely like to have.
Rashford's audition continues
Barcelona have until June 15th to activate the 30 million Euro clause to make Marcus Rashford's loan move permanent. It is crucial for him to make his case in the final games of the season and tonight, playing on the right in Lamine Yamal's absence, is another chance for him to make it.
He has already contributed 8 goals and 7 assists in La Liga, so it's safe to say he is making his case, but another goal or assist tonight may prove to be the one that pushes it over the line.
Real Betis looking strong
This won't be a straightforward night for Barcelona. Betis are in great form having lost just once in their last 7 matches, and they have secured Champions League football for next season. They have Cucho Hernandez and Diego Llorente suspended, but Pablo Fornals has had a strong season. They'll work hard and press Barcelona in what will be a tough night for them.
Injuries
Lamine Yamal - out for the season.
Betis - Cucho Hernandez (suspended), Diego Llorente (suspended), Aitor Ruibal (injured), Marc Bartra (injured)
The game will be kicking off at 19:00 CEST, it was a 5-3 victory in Seville for Barcelona earlier in the season. Flick will be hoping for more of the same here as he looks to build momentum going into next season with the fans of the Nou Camp willing them on.
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