The Barcelona lineup is in, and Hansi Flick has rung the changes ahead of the trip to Rayo Vallecano. After the shaky showing against Levante, the boss has clearly decided it’s time to shake things up, especially in the defence.
The biggest talking point is at the back, where both centre-backs from the last match have been dropped. In come Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen, giving the back line a much-needed reset. The only question mark is who takes the right-back spot: Kounde or Eric García. Both are capable of slotting in, but either way, the hope is for a lot more stability than we saw last weekend.
Alejandro Balde keeps his place on the left, and let’s be honest, that’s his position to own for years to come. Still raw, still lightning quick, and still one of the most exciting young left-backs in the game.
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Further forward, there are no surprises. Everything Barca’s line up predictions for the midfield and attack were bang on, with Flick sticking to his trusted options. No risks, no experiments, just the firepower he believes can get the job done tonight.
Frenkie de Jong slots back into midfield alongside Pedri, with Dani Olmo taking up the more advanced role in the trio. The big casualty is Marcus Rashford, who drops out as Raphinha returns to the left wing.
It’s a move that makes sense. Raphinha looked far more natural in that role against Real Mallorca and was crucial in the second half versus Levante. Alongside Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank, the pair stretched the defence wide, and within 10 minutes of the restart Barça had dragged themselves back on level terms. That kind of direct wing play is exactly what Flick will want from the start this time.
Up top, the debate rumbles on. Should Lewandowski start over Ferran Torres, given the Spaniard’s bright form to open the season? Flick has answered that by keeping faith with the Spaniard striker. Lewy gets the nod for the bench again, and with Barça chasing a perfect record, all eyes will be on those two to contribute the goals that keep their momentum rolling.