Barcelona’s Champions League campaign has been a mixed bag thus far. With two 'must-win' fixtures remaining, there is a lingering sense that they may need results elsewhere to go their way if they are to secure a top-eight finish.
Upcoming matches, a trip to the Czech capital followed by the visit of Copenhagen, offer Hansi Flick a chance to rotate his squad. Given the gulf in quality, Barcelona should be able to manage their resources without compromising results.
Slavia Prague, in particular, look vulnerable; they remain winless in the competition and may suffer from 'match rust' after a month-long hiatus due to the Czech winter break.
Here's our predicted XI for the Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague
GK: Joan Garcia
Having emerged as one of Barcelona’s top performers this term, he is now the firm choice between the posts. The path to the starting role has cleared following Szczęsny’s underwhelming stint and Ter Stegen’s move to Girona, leaving him as the definitive number one for the remainder of the campaign.
RB: Jules Kounde
The back four picks itself these days. The right back will be looking to keep his consistency after finding form in the last month or so.
CB: Ronald Araujo
After a Champions League episode that forced a brief hiatus from the starting XI, this is the right moment for his full reintroduction. Against an opponent Barça are expected to dominate, he can rebuild his rhythm without the highest level of pressure.
CB: Eric Garcia
His presence offers much-needed stability. Alongside Barcelona’s most consistent performer, he looks set to anchor the side and secure a straightforward clean sheet.
LB: Alejandro Balde
A definitive starter now Gerard Martin has moved to a centre back role, with competition coming from Joao Cancelo post registration. Competition with the Portuguese will come in La Liga first.
CM: Marc Casado
Give Pedri a rest and allow him to come on should the game need his decisive passing and break the lines in attack. A game like this we should ee his quality shine through.
CM: Frenkie De Jong
A true game-changer, he is set to return to the starting XI after serving a suspension in the Copa del Rey. Operating as the more advanced half of the double pivot, the Dutchman will be tasked with mirroring the "Pedri role", linking play and driving the team forward into the final third.
AM: Dani Olmo
This is the perfect opportunity for Olmo to prove his worth. Having provided several impressive cameos off the bench, he looks ready to seize a starting spot and finally translate those glimpses of quality into a sustained performance.
RW: Raphinha
This fixture can be considered too soon for Raphinha, but if fit then the Brazilian is the natural choice to step back into his preferred role. After a string of standout performances, he looks ready to pick up exactly where he left off.
LW: Marcus Rashford
True to his reputation as Mr Champions League, his European statistics highlight a significant step up from his domestic form. With Raphinha already filling in for the suspended Lamine Yamal, there is little justification for starting Fermín López over a player with such proven continental pedigree.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
Ferran Torres is out so there is only one replacement. Hopefully a goal or two will boost his confidence and his European goal tally.