Barcelona will be aiming to maintain their 100% winning record in La Liga as they take on Real Valladolid this weekend.
The Catalans are leading the league table thanks to three back-to-back victories so far this season.
However, with a mounting injury list, Hansi Flick will have to improvise a little, as far as his team selection is concerned.
Predicted Barcelona XI vs Real Valladolid
Defence
Over the past week, Barcelona lost Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen due to injuries, although the former returned to training today and could be ready for tomorrow’s match.
In fact, coach Hansi Flick could make only one change from the team that started against Rayo Vallecano, with Alejandro Balde likely to replace Gerard Martin at left-back.
Jules Kounde should continue at right-back, whereas Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi remain guaranteed starters in central defence, as they look to provide cover for Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.
Midfield
Things should get much more interesting in the midfield unit. Marc Bernal’s ACL injury made headlines over the week, with the youngster ruled out for the entire season.
Casado is likely to replace Bernal (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Bernal’s absence could be a massive blow for Barcelona as the 17-year-old had shown exceptional form in these early parts of the campaign.
Following the exits of Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu in the summer, coupled with Frenkie de Jong’s fitness woes, Barcelona do not have a viable option to replace Bernal.
The onus, therefore, will be on another youngster Marc Casado to operate in the defensive midfield position, partnering with Pedri, who is likely to operate in a more attacking role.
Attack
Dani Olmo enjoyed a dream debut for Barcelona as he scored the winner in the victory over Rayo Vallecano.
We expect the former RB Leipzig forward to start for Barcelona this weekend, with the player set to operate in the No. 10…
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Author : Connell Edgar-Jones
Publish date : 2024-08-30 18:40:54
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