In a matter of minutes, FC Barcelona will announce their starting lineup to take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 at Stamford Bridge.

It is a must-win fixture for the Blaugrana, who have already dropped points on two occasions in Europe this season – first against PSG and more recently vs Club Brugge.

Ronald Araujo to start against Chelsea

One of Barcelona’s main doubts for tonight’s match against Chelsea was who would play at the heart of the defence alongside Pau Cubarsi.

And, according to Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo, Ronald Araujo will be named in the starting XI for Barça at Stamford Bridge tonight.

The 26-year-old second captain is not a regular starter for Barcelona this season, with Hansi Flick often preferring the pairing of Cubarsi and Eric Garcia. But the latter will likely start in midfield.

Ronald Araujo set to start. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Araujo was not part of the starting lineup against Athletic Club last weekend, only coming on as a half-time substitute after Alejandro Balde was withdrawn as a precautionary measure.

However, Flick has chosen the Uruguayan centre-back for tonight’s game at Stamford Bridge. He needs strength and speed at the back, as well as a powerful defender who dominates in the air, which is why Araujo is set to get the nod.

It is worth recalling that Flick already selected Araujo as a starter in Barcelona’s Champions League opener of the season against Newcastle United. In their other away match in Europe, against Club Brugge, the Uruguayan also played the full 90 minutes.

So far this season, Araujo has featured in 14 matches in all competitions, even chipping in with two goals.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.