HANSI FLICK PUSHES BARCELONA DEFENDER TO RIGHT-BACK AHEAD OF EL CLáSICO
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is considering using Andreas Christensen at right-back, a role he successfully filled for Denmark. This could solve a problem position ahead of the Catalan derby vs Girona and El Clásico.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
On Saturday afternoon, Barcelona will play Girona in a Catalan derby to resume play following the international break. Hansi Flick might make some adjustments with just one week until El Clásico, and the same might happen when Olympiacos come to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday.
Despite their numerous injury problems, Barcelona's defence seems untouched at the moment. Now that Alejandro Balde has recovered from a hamstring strain, Flick has a wide range of alternatives in his back line, though he might still try a few different things.
And since he is behind Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia in centre defence, Andreas Christensen, who has had difficulty getting regular minutes this season, might be included in one of those.
Christensen played a key role in Denmark's World Cup qualification victories over Belarus and Greece during the international break. He started at right-back in the latter game, which would have stunned Barcelona fans, but Sport has disclosed that Flick was the driving force behind this choice.
Flick suggested to Denmark's head coach, Brian Reimer, in recent weeks that Christensen might be used as a right-back since he believes the 29-year-old can play effectively in that position. The player himself concurred, and as a result, he started against Greece and performed admirably.
In the upcoming weeks, Christensen might be employed at right-back.
Given his preference for playing right-back and his previous declaration that he wanted to stay in Catalonia, Christensen may have an opportunity to play there for Barcelona. Eric seems to be more reliable in the centre of defence, which gives the Dane an advantage over Jules Kounde, who has struggled for consistency this season.
With Saturday's matchup against Girona serving as his first opportunity, it is unclear if Christensen will be utilised there in the upcoming weeks.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.