Rodri eyes LaLiga century as Barcelona chase top spot at Mestalla | OneFootball

Barcelona can go top this afternoon at Mestalla, 16:15 on Movistar, after Real Madrid faltered in Seville on Friday and Atlético in Bilbao yesterday.

AS reports that victory would put Hansi Flick’s side three points clear of Mourinho’s team and five ahead of Simeone’s after four matchdays.

In his pre-match press conference, Flick said one of his immediate aims is to reach the late September break with maximum points, though Valencia must be beaten first.

The hosts’ supporters plan to stay outside until the 19th minute in protest at the club’s transfer business, so Barcelona will need to manage an unusual atmosphere and find their rhythm.

On that front, Rodri looks set to be key. The midfielder is in line to start for the first time since joining, which would also bring up his 100th LaLiga appearance.

He has 63 games for Villarreal, 34 for Atlético and two so far with Barça, totalling 99 in LaLiga, alongside 298 for City in the Premier League.

So far he has played the final half hour against Athletic and Rayo. To build fitness, Flick could give him around an hour at Valencia before a first full outing that, according to his specific preparation plan, would come against Feyenoord on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Rodri joined later than most team-mates, so his introduction has been gradual.

Source: AS

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”