Hansi Flick has been step by step reintegrating his gamers into the lineup in current weeks, and he’s now making ready for an important stretch of matches.
Barcelona are set to face a demanding schedule, with three matches in simply eight days earlier than the membership takes a break for worldwide fixtures.
This tight timetable presents Flick the chance to handle his squad successfully and rotate his gamers as wanted.
With a full week to organize for the upcoming derby in opposition to Espanyol, Flick is more likely to make a number of modifications to the beginning eleven that confronted Actual Madrid on the Santiago Bernabeu.
He should think about not solely the derby but additionally the essential Champions League conflict in opposition to Purple Star Belgrade scheduled for Wednesday. In consequence, it’s important to take a look at how Barcelona would possibly line up in opposition to Espanyol whereas keeping track of squad rotation.
Defence
Inaki Pena will hold his place in opposition to Espanyol. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Within the defensive division, we’re not anticipating many modifications. Inaki Pena is more likely to stay in purpose, though the supervisor does have Wojciech Szczesny instead if wanted.
The absence of Eric Garcia, who’s at the moment coping with some discomfort, implies that the backline will in all probability stay constant. We will count on to see Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde beginning because the defensive 4 no less than at first of the match.
Nonetheless, Flick has demonstrated in earlier video games that he’s prepared to make changes if obligatory.
This consists of bringing in Sergi Domínguez within the centre-back function or utilizing Gerard Martín as a full-back, relying on the sport state of affairs and the gamers’ health ranges.
Midfield
Dani Olmo is more likely to begin in opposition to Espanyol. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Pictures)
A participant who has been catching consideration currently is Marc Casado, who appears to be in want of a well-deserved relaxation. Given this, it’s fairly believable that Flick would possibly select to implement a midfield duo consisting of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
This strategic determination would permit each gamers to manage the tempo of the sport successfully and supply stability within the midfield space. On this state of affairs, Dani Olmo is anticipated to tackle the function of the quantity 10, bringing creativity and imaginative and prescient to the assault.
Along with Casado, it’s anticipated that each Gavi and Fermin Lopez might begin the match on the bench.
This determination wouldn’t solely permit them to preserve power for future matches but additionally give them an opportunity to impression the sport in a while if the state of affairs requires their expertise.
Assault
Lamine Yamal can be key to Barcelona’s assault. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
In relation to the attacking entrance, there’s extra readability concerning the lineup. Robert Lewandowski has been in wonderful kind currently, demonstrating his means to seek out the again of the web constantly.
He’s anticipated to proceed main the assault and can seemingly kind a trio with Lamine Yamal, who will function on the suitable, and Raphinha, positioned on the left.
This attacking trio combines expertise and youth, offering Barcelona with the dynamism and creativity wanted to interrupt down the opposition’s defence.
With Lewandowski’s scientific ending means, Yamal’s aptitude and velocity, and Raphinha’s ability on the ball, Barcelona’s attacking line is poised to trigger important issues for Espanyol’s defence.
The synergy amongst these gamers can be essential as they purpose to safe three factors in what is bound to be an intense derby match.