Barcelona probable line-up to face Athletic in LaLiga EA Sports | OneFootball

Barcelona began their 2026/27 title defence with a 5-0 win at Elche, despite operating without a traditional number nine after the exits of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Rashford. Raphinha thrived as a false nine with a brace ahead of the first home game against Athletic at the Spotify Camp Nou.

According to as.com, Hansi Flick could stick with the Martínez Valero line-up with only minor tweaks. Joan García will start in goal, with Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart likely at full-back, and the pairing of Christensen and Gerard Martín, used most in pre-season, set to continue, while Cubarsí still needs to get back to his level.

In midfield, Bernal will keep his place and his partner looks set to be Pedri, with Gavi not in the squad as a precaution. Pedri has followed a specific training plan since arriving and his introduction changed the game against Elche. Rodri will get minutes in the second half.

In attack, a small change is possible on the left. Anthony Gordon, who produced two assists on his competitive debut, could come in for Karim Adeyemi. Raphinha would remain the central reference, Lamine on the right and Fermín as the attacking midfielder.

Several of their recent World Cup players are still short of peak form.

Source: as.com

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