FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is considering several rotations to his starting lineup for the upcoming La Liga match against Valencia. This planning, reported by Mundo Deportivo, also takes into account next week's Champions League clash against Feyenoord. Barcelona approaches this game as the unbeaten league leader, with a perfect nine points from three consecutive wins.
The Blaugrana squad is on an impeccable run of form, reflected in their stats of twelve goals scored and only two conceded. However, the coaching staff must manage a tight schedule and some significant absences. Currently, the team has four players on the injuries list: Frenkie de Jong, Jesse Bisiwu, Roony Bardghji, and Eric García.
Who will play in midfield?
The center of the park is where Flick is weighing the most options. The German manager has at his disposal a group of players with very different profiles. Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Marc Bernal, Rodri, and Brian Fariñas are all vying for a spot. According to the report, Flick had considered starting Rodri, but the current idea is to begin with Bernal and Pedri. This decision would be influenced by the upcoming European match.
Gavi brings intensity and defensive character, while Dani Olmo offers quality in the spaces between the lines. Fermín López, for his part, stands out for his arrivals into the opponent's box. In recent matches, Olmo and Fermín have alternated in the attacking midfield position, and this time it would be Fermín López's turn.
How is the defense shaping up?
In goal, Joan García is projected as the only fixed starter. The defensive line has shown variations at the start of the season. Eric García began as the right-back in the first two matches but lost his starting spot to Jules Koundé for the third game. Andreas Christensen has appeared in the starting eleven on two occasions, against Elche and Rayo Vallecano.
At left-back, Héctor Espart has become a fixed starter despite being right-footed by origin and that position seeming reserved for João Cancelo. His performances have earned him the manager's trust.
What about the attack?
The main news in the forward line is the doubt surrounding Lamine Yamal. The young winger suffered a painful blow and yesterday worked in the gym instead of training with the group. Hansi Flick did not specify the exact location of the impact. In his likely absence, Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon will occupy the two wings, as they have shared starting roles in the opening matches.
In the center-forward position, Raphinha has acted as a '9' and has started every game. Gabriel Jesús, with all his experience, is an alternative who has just joined the team and is seeking his rhythm. The competition for a starting spot at Barcelona is fierce this season. As journalist Gabriel Sans noted, "being a starter at Barça has never been easy, but this 2026-27 season the competition has raised the level to a demanding degree."
Flick himself acknowledges the depth of his squad. "He has a squad brimming with talent and versatility and the probability of rotations increases," the coach stated. This philosophy allows him to face a packed September schedule with guarantees. After the match against Valencia, the team will travel to face Levante, tenth in the table, on September 13th, as shown in the fixtures schedule.
