Barcelona search for a powerful begin to their La Liga residence marketing campaign because the reigning back-to-back champions face historic rivals Athletic Membership at Camp Nou.
Right here’s how we predict Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Thursday’s battle:
Barça acquired off to a wonderful begin on the weekend in opposition to Elche and now return residence the place they completed final season with a historic excellent file at Camp Nou, and Flick will likely be trying to journey the momentum of the crew that performed so properly within the second half on Sunday.
We’ll doubtless see just one change on the again since Andreas Christensen must be managed rigorously and isn’t anticipated to start out two video games in 4 days, so Pau Cubarsí will in all probability make his season debut after his summer time glory with Spain.
Gerard Martín is Cubarsí’s trusted companion and can begin once more at center-back, with Eric Garcia picked forward of Jules Kounde at right-back and younger Xavi Espart retaining his place on the left given the very fact João Cancelo continues to be not absolutely match and Alejandro Balde’s standing is unsure at finest.
Regardless that Gavi survived an damage scare on the weekend and solely suffered a bruise on his knee, it’s prudent to not danger him on this one so Pedri will take his place within the lineup alongside Marc Bernal and Fermín López.
We’re all excited to see the debut of latest signing Rodri that would very properly occur on this one, however he’s had simply a few periods with the squad and can doubtless come off the bench to get an excellent ovation from the house crowd within the second half.
Barça’s assault placed on a present within the second half on Sunday and the noise in regards to the striker place has quieted down for now, particularly after Raphinha’s wonderful efficiency as a center-forward. He’ll begin in that spot once more, with Karim Adeyemi holding his place on the left after a wonderful aggressive debut on the weekend.
Lamine Yamal may be very a lot in preseason kind and wishes minutes to realize rhythm, so {the teenager} will begin once more on the proper trying to bounce again from a supbar show in opposition to Elche.
Potential XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi (4-3-3)
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