Inaki Pena will replace Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks when Barcelona and Valencia face off at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday.
Barcelona will aim to return to winning ways in La Liga when they welcome Valencia to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday night. Hansi Flick has no new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee), Inigo Martinez (hamstring), and Marc Bernal (knee) remain on the sidelines. In addition, Flick continues to sweat over Dani Olmo’s fitness, with the Spanish international recovering from a calf issue.
The biggest talking point surrounding the home team ahead of the game against Valencia has been the goalkeeping situation after Wojciech Szczesny’s calamitous display in the UEFA Champions League tie with SL Benfica. During his pre-match press conference, Flick replied to questions surrounding the goalkeepers with some annoyance.
The Barcelona manager said, “We will wait until tomorrow. The same answer. I decided not to talk about the lineup. My apologies.”
Meanwhile, Flick hinted that some rest might be on the cards for Pedri in the coming weeks, with the Spanish international playing relentlessly in recent weeks. The German tactician said, “At the moment he is playing at 100% and very well.”
“I’ve already said that we’ve changed the philosophy regarding Pedri. He will continue to play because he is doing better. He might not be there from the start. We need fresh legs to face Valencia. We’ll see. There are changes planned in the team.”
Inaki Pena should replace Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Valencia on Sunday. The backline should remain unchanged, with Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde completing the defensive quartet.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri and Marc Casado should pair up in the double pivot again, with Frenkie de Jong the alternative if the former needs rest. Gavi will reprise the no. 10 role if Olmo is not fit and available. Finally, the offensive trifecta will remain unchanged, with Robert Lewandowski spearheading the attack and Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the wide attackers.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
