Barcelona forward to get a rare starting opportunity against Valencia | OneFootball

As Barcelona gear up for their first home game of the season at Estadi Johan Cruyff against Valencia, coach Hansi Flick could make one or two changes to the starting eleven.

The German coach is aware that a few of the players will be coming on the back of wear and tear incurred from the recent international break, while others, such as Frenkie de Jong, picked up an injury and won’t be available altogether.

This could benefit many of the lesser-used players in the first team, one of whom could be Marcus Rashford.

Rashford to start vs Valencia?

According to AS, Rashford could be handed a rare opportunity to start for Barcelona this weekend as they take on Valencia.

The Englishman could be a beneficiary of a tired Raphinha, who featured in both of Brazil’s World Cup Qualifying games against Chile and Bolivia.

While Rashford, too, was part of the England setup during the international break, he didn’t have to make a long journey across the Atlantic to return to Barcelona.

Raphinha could be rested for Barcelona this weekend. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Keeping that in mind, the on-loan Manchester United striker could potentially start against Valencia if Flick decides to rest Raphinha on Sunday.

Should that happen, Rashford woul operate on the flank alongside Lamine Yamal, and it will be interesting to see who leads the Barcelona frontline, with both Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski available at the disposal of Flick.

The Valencia game will be a much-needed opportunity for Rashford to prove himself, especially after failing to make much of an impact during the first three matches of the season.

Rashford’s indifferent performances have even led to rumours that Barcelona might end his loan deal soon, and although those claims were rubbished by an esteemed journalist, it is clear that the Englishman is under pressure and must start delivering soon.