There are two key uncertainties in the starting lineup Hansi Flick will field at Balaídos against Celta. The first concerns the right-back position, particularly given that Jules Koundé is sidelined with a foot injury sustained from a heavy blow, and Eric García will have to play wearing a protective mask after fracturing his nose in the match against Club Brugge.
The other major question is who will lead the attack. Robert Lewandowski is the clear favourite, especially as he has not started in over a month—the last time being at the Sánchez Pizjuán on October 5th, where he missed a penalty.
Marcus Rashford could be an alternative, despite his impressive LaLiga statistics—two goals and five assists—but he still struggles with pressing the opponent’s build-up play.
It is worth noting that, despite his time out, Lewandowski is the second-highest scorer in LaLiga this season with four goals, just one behind Ferran Torres, who tops the table with five.
The rest of the team appears largely settled. Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal, likely in what will be his final match before Joan Garcia’s return, confirmed after the international break. The midfield is expected to comprise Marc Casadó, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermín López, while Ronald Araújo will partner Pau Cubarsí in central defence, with Alejandro Balde on the left. In attack, Lamine Yamal is expected to start following his impressive display in Bruges, with Ferran Torres, the most dynamic striker available, likely taking the left wing.
On the bench, options could include Roony Bardghji, Andreas Christensen—returning after more than two weeks out due to soleus discomfort—and presumably Rashford, ready to make an impact in the second half.