The back-to-back champions of La Liga finish the season on the road as Barcelona travel to Mestalla to face Valencia looking to end the campaign on a high note.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle:
Defense
Barça had a full week to rest and recover after the home win against Real Betis and the players who are going to the World Cup will have some time off while the European competitions wrap up next week, so we are expecting a strong lineup from Flick in this one.
We
think the coach will go with his favorite back four combination as of late, with Eric Garcia ahead of Jules Kounde at right-back, Pau Cubarsí alongside Gerard Martín at center-back, and João Cancelo facing one of his former clubs at left-back.
Midfield
Fermín López received some brutal injury news as he’s out of the World Cup with a broken foot, so Barça will be without one of their best players for this one as well. We are expecting Dani Olmo to return to the side in Fermín’s spot, and we think Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will finally reunite as a double pivot to give the Dutchman extended minutes as he builds up his fitness for the World Cup.
Attack
Marcus Rashford didn’t play due to a minor injury last week and is unlikely to start this one to make sure of his place in the England squad for the World Cup, so we think Gavi will start on the left wing with Raphinha on the right and Ferran Torres facing his former club and leading the line after Robert Lewandowski’s farewell last week.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Gavi; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Valencia? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
