Barcelona will be hoping to replicate their recent form from the weekend and the second leg of the Copa del Rey, with both performances ending in victory.
They will be eager to take an advantage into the return leg, but Diego Simeone has promised a tactical shift from Saturday, one designed to disrupt Barcelona’s fluidity and attacking rhythm.
This encounter promises to be just as compelling as the first in what is shaping up to be a thrilling trilogy. Here is our predicted XI.
GK: Joan Garcia
The undisputed number one fresh off winning his first cap for Spain in the international break. Will look to impress further to gain one of three places for the World Cup squad.
RB: Jules Kounde
Used primarily off the bench in recent weeks, with Ronald Araújo preferred in the La Liga clash, he could offer a greater attacking threat if called upon.
If Flick prefers Casado as a midfield partner for Pedri, then Eric Garcia will likely move to right back.
CB: Pau Cubarsi
He looks more assured alongside Gerard Martín in central defence, with the pairing offering greater fluidity and pace.
CB: Gerard Martin
He has not looked back since moving into the centre-back role, with his defensive displays marking a clear improvement on last season.
LB: Joao Cancelo
Showed his threat in the La Liga game with a big role in the winner, showing that Cancelo has the ability to create chances out of nothing. Will look to be more of an attacking force in the first-leg home advantage.
CM: Eric Garcia
Preferred to Marc Casadó in the absence of Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong, the defensive midfielder will be tasked with anchoring the side and giving Pedri the freedom to dictate the game.
CM: Pedri
The midfield genius of his era will look to dictate the game from the off.
CAM: Dani Olmo
Given the faith shown in him, and his performances in the Champions League, he deserves the role. With Fermín López on the left, he’ll have greater freedom to attack, but he must improve his defensive pressing.
RW: Lamine Yamal
Was superb in the first half of the game at the weekend and will won't to replicate that. The best player on the pitch, hopefully, adds to goal contribution tally.
LW: Fermin Lopez
Although Rashford has earned the respect of Los Cules, his defensive work, particularly his tracking back and pressing, still needs improvement. Fermín’s intensity offers greater balance, while still posing a consistent attacking threat.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
Scored the winner with a somewhat fortuitous goal after Flick opted not to start with a recognised centre-forward. In this game, a striker is essential, start with your best.