Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are yet to taste defeat in this start to the La Liga season. They are the sole leaders and two of their main rivals in the fight for the title, Real Madrid and Atlético, are already four points behind. Against Valladolid, the Catalans will be looking for their fourth consecutive victory just before the international break and they have everything in their favour to make it happenThey play at the Lluís Companys and in the last ten years the team from Pucelano have never taken three points from Barcelona.
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Not many changes are expected in the starting eleven that the German coach will present. Between injuries, the fact that he has a short squad and that he is not too keen on rotations, he will come out with the theoretical starting eleven. With Ter Stegen in goal, Jules Koundé and Balde on the wings with Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez as the central defenders. In the centre of the field and with Bernal injured, he will once again turn to the other Marc, Casadó, to play alongside Pedri. He had been a starter in the first matchday but then Flick opted for Bernal. Eric Garcia could return to the list after not travelling to Vallecas and would be another option for the defensive pivot position.
The attacking part also seems very defined. Lamine Yamal is untouchable on the right flank and Dani Olmo will already take his place in the starting eleven behind Lewandowski. The star signing of the season had a spectacular debut against Rayo, changing the game completely when he came on and scored the winning goal for Barça.
In principle, the victim would be Ferran Torres and Raphinha would move to the left wing. Flick is delighted with the performances of the Brazilian, a caring footballer who is very committed to the team. Fermín would wait for his moment on the bench. The German coach admitted in a press conference that he must be patient as he arrived late, but he sees the potential to be a starter at any time.
And at the top, there is no question about it. Robert Lewandowski will once again be the key player in the centre-forward position. The Pole has made his best start since joining Barcelona with three goals in the first three games and is regaining his best form under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona’s possible starting eleven: Ter Stegen Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde, Casadó, Pedri, Lamine, Olmo, Raphinha and Lewandowski.
