Hansi Flick faces defensive dilemma ahead of Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona | OneFootball

As Barcelona gear up to face Rayo Vallecano later today, Hansi Flick has several questions to answer before he decides his starting lineup.

The team’s defensive stability in recent games, after all, has been far from ideal, and it is utmost importance that the manager finds a fix to the same.

At this point, it is almost known with certainty that the coach will make changes in defence, with Jules Kounde tipped to return to the starting lineup and one of the two existing centre-backs rumoured to be dropped.

Changes being considered

According to an update by AS, there will be major changes in the team’s backline on the night, especially at right-back and centre-back.

For starters, Kounde is expected to return to the starting lineup at right-back, displacing Eric Garcia, who has done well in the position in recent weeks.

Gerard Martin could return to the starting XI against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

In central defence, the manager sees his options to be expanded after the registration of Gerard Martin, and the La Masia star could, in fact, replace Ronald Araujo in the defensive partnership.

As a left-footed player, Martin will be well placed at left centre-back and free Pau Cubarsi to shift to right centre-back, which Flick sees him to be better placed.

In addition, Andreas Christensen has trained normally in recent days and continues to be an option to return to the starting lineup, possibly displacing Cubarsi if need be.

No major changes are expected at left-back, where Alejandro Balde will likely retain his starting spot. After all, he has performed well in recent weeks and does not demand any change in personnel.

With a revamped defence set to take to the field at Vallecas later today, it will be interesting to see how Flick picks his cards and how they play out against a tricky opposition.