Barcelona cruised through the league phase last season, but a combination of setbacks has pushed the reigning La Liga champions into a more uneasy position this time around.

A sobering 3–0 defeat to Chelsea two weeks ago dropped Hansi Flick’s side to 18th in the standings, leaving them needing three wins to maximize their chances of securing automatic qualification for the round of 16.

Injuries, tactical inconsistencies and a demanding schedule have limited Barça to just two Champions League victories so far. However, a more forgiving run of fixtures in the new year should allow Flick’s team to regain momentum.

That lighter stretch begins on Tuesday night at Spotify Camp Nou, where a defensively vulnerable Eintracht Frankfurt side comes to town. Below is the Barcelona lineup Flick is expected to select.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2-3-1)

Barcelona were rampant in Saturday’s win over Real Betis. / Diego Souto/Getty Images

GK: Joan García — Despite Marc-André ter Stegen’s return from injury, Flick has confirmed that García will continue as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper.

RB: Jules Koundé — Rotation is an option here after Koundé conceded a late penalty in the 5–3 victory over Betis, but Flick appears to maintain his trust in the French defender.

CB: Pau Cubarsí — The teenage center-back looks set to be a permanent fixture, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ronald Araújo.

CB: Gerard Martín — Highly rated by Flick, the academy graduate has impressed enough to earn the nickname “Gerard Maldini” from teammates and should partner Cubarsí again.

LB: Alejandro Balde — With Martín more suited to central defense, Balde faces little competition for the left-back role.

CM: Frenkie de Jong — The Dutchman struggled without his usual midfield support at Stamford Bridge but is far more effective when not burdened with excessive buildup responsibility.

CM: Pedri — A generational talent and arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. Barcelona’s drop-off without him is unmistakable.

RW: Lamine Yamal — Flick tested Yamal in a central role over the weekend but is likely to keep that option in reserve for now.

AM: Fermín López — His return comes at the perfect time following Dani Olmo’s shoulder injury. López was in excellent form throughout October and November.

LW: Raphinha — His off-ball work is vital to Barcelona’s structure. After being rested at the weekend, he is expected to return to the starting XI as Flick carefully manages his workload.

ST: Robert Lewandowski — Though underwhelming in his last start against Atlético Madrid, Flick knows he will need Lewandowski’s experience alongside Ferran Torres as the season progresses. Torres starred on Saturday, but the Polish striker could be rotated back into the side here.