Barcelona set to make three changes to the starting XI against Valladolid – report

Barcelona will be targeting their fourth win on the trot when they take on newly-promoted La Liga side Real Valladolid tomorrow in Montjuic.

The Blaugrana happen to be the only team to win all three matches in the new season so far and are sitting comfortably at the top of the standings, four points clear of Real Madrid.

Another win tomorrow would stretch the lead to seven points and put further pressure on the current title-holders, who are not in action until Sunday night.

Changes incoming

Now, Toni Juanmarti of SPORT reports that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will be making three changes to the starting lineup that took the field against Rayo Vallecano in midweek when Valladolid come visiting.

Casado will be one of the changes. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The first and most notable alteration will see blockbuster new signing Dani Olmo making his first start for Barcelona.

The €55 million new arrival made his debut in midweek, coming on at half-time to replace Ferran Torres and scoring the match-winning goal. He will be rewarded with a starting berth as a result, at the expense of the forward.

Olmo is expected to slot in as the No. 10 flanked by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Meanwhile, the second change will be an enforced one as Marc Bernal is out with an ACL injury. In his absence, it is all but confirmed that Marc Casado will step into the double pivot alongside Pedri.

The final change on the day is expected to come in the defensive line where star full-back Alejandro Balde is set to return.

The La Masia talent was rested against Rayo but should reclaim his starting berth at left-back, replacing Gerard Martin who had a difficult first start on Tuesday.

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-set-to-make-three-changes-to-the-starting-xi-against-valladolid-report/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2024-08-30 15:53:52

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.