Barcelona look to continue their perfect start to the season and make it five wins out of five in La Liga as the leaders face a tough away test against Levante.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Sunday’s battle:
Defense
Barça cruised to a comfortable win against Feyenoord in their Champions League debut with Hansi Flick able to rotate his side and rest a few starters in the second half, so we are expecting a strong team once again for a tough road game.
Eric Garcia is expected back
in the lineup at right-back after missing the European opener through suspension, and we think Xavi Espart will return to his starting spot at left-back after being rested against Feyenoord. Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín is the probable center-back duo, since Andreas Christensen played all 90 minutes in midweek and needs his playing time carefully managed to keep him fit.
Midfield
Barça’s midfield has looked very strong to start the season and has a different feel with the presence of Rodri, who looks more and more comfortable in the system and is forming a strong partnership with Pedri. The two will start looking to control a tough game on the road, with Fermín López expected back in the lineup ahead of Dani Olmo looking to continue his red-hot early season form.
Attack
Flick made a surprising change in attack against Feyenoord with Karim Adeyemi starting and scoring in midweek, but we think Anthony Gordon will be back in his left wing stating spot for this weekend. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal were both sublime in the European opener, and are simply too good to be dropped right now. One of them might be rotated out of the side in the upcoming home game against Racing Santander, but Flick will want both on the pitch for a tough away test.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Levante? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
