Hans-Dieter Flick is preparing a rotated Barcelona lineup for their trip to face Levante this Saturday at the Ciutat de València, managing a demanding schedule of eight matches in twenty-eight days. The German coach recalls Eric Garcia, who will play at right-back wearing a protective mask after a nasal fracture suffered at Mestalla last week, and reintroduces Gerard Martin and Xavi Espart, who were rested in the 5-1 win over Feyenoord.
Defence reshuffled
The absence of Frenkie de Jong, one of three confirmed sidelined players alongside Roony Bardghji and Jesse Bisiwu, forces adjustments. Garcia will occupy the right flank, a position he has played before, allowing other defenders to rest. Martin and Espart, fresh after missing the Champions League game, will return to the starting backline. This rotation is key with a double game week against Racing and Sevilla ahead before the FIFA break.
Midfield remains unchanged
In midfield, Flick will keep the duo of Rodri and Pedri as playmakers. Rodri has started the last two matches, against Valencia and Feyenoord, while Pedri has started the last four across La Liga and the Champions League. Ahead of them will be Fermin, completing a dynamic trio. The team arrives in excellent form, top of La Liga with 12 points from 12 and on a five-game winning streak, the latest being that 5-1 win over Feyenoord where Raphinha scored a brace.
Full-strength attack
In attack, the players considered untouchable by Flick, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, will start again. They have begun every match this season as starters. Alongside them, and after starting on the bench against Feyenoord, Gordon is expected to complete the offensive trident, displacing Adeyemi to the bench. The Blaugrana forward line is the highest-scoring in the league, with 17 goals for and just two against.
With an eye on maintaining momentum, Flick is executing a calculated rotation. "After having presented a lineup with five changes compared to the previous match against Feyenoord," explained reporter Joan Poquí, the team is seeking freshness. The next fixture, already at the Camp Nou, will be on Tuesday 16 September against Racing Santander, tenth in the table. Fans can follow the team's full schedule on our fixtures page and check the injury status on injuries.
