Kounde, Olmo start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Levante | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will continue their La Liga 2025/26 campaign this weekend as they face Levante away at the Ciutat de Valencia.

Hansi Flick’s side started the season in convincing fashion with a 3-0 win over Mallorca, a result that already placed them at the top of the table.

Mallorca had two players sent off in that game, which made Barcelona’s task easier, but the Blaugrana still showed signs of control, balance, and confidence across the pitch.

Levante, on the other hand, are back in the top flight after promotion, but their return began on a disappointing note. They suffered a 2-1 defeat against Alaves in their opening game.

Facing Barcelona in only their second match will be a tough challenge for the Valencia-based side, who will have to work hard to keep Flick’s men quiet.

While Barcelona are looking good on the pitch, matters off it are slightly complicated. The club are still trying to register some players, including Gerard Martin, but those processes remain unfinished.

Despite the hurdles, Flick has made it clear that he will continue to field his best possible XI, and against Levante, his line-up is expected to show both consistency and a few key changes.

Defence

Jules Kounde could return to the starting XI. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Joan Garcia has already settled into his new role as Barcelona’s No.1 goalkeeper. The former Espanyol man made his competitive debut against Mallorca with a clean sheet and will be eager to maintain his strong start in goal.

Ahead of him, there could be a slight change as Jules Kounde is likely to return to the starting XI. The Frenchman could take the place of Eric Garcia, who started the season opener.

Alongside him, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi are expected to continue their partnership at the heart of defence. With Inigo Martinez no longer at the club, Araujo is now tasked with guiding young Cubarsi, building a strong bond similar to what Martinez once offered.

On the left, Alejandro Balde remains untouchable, offering speed and energy from defence.

Midfield

Gavi could replace Frenkie de Jong. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick is a manager who values control in midfield, often leaning on Pedri and Frenkie de Jong as his preferred pairing. However, De Jong has been managing fitness concerns.

Although he trained lightly with the squad, his full involvement still looks doubtful. That opens the door for Gavi to make a return to the starting XI.

The young midfielder had to settle for a substitute role in the Mallorca clash and the Joan Gamper trophy against Como, but now he could get his chance to shine.

In the advanced midfield role, Dani Olmo could be recalled into the starting team, replacing Fermin Lopez. Flick sees Olmo as an important creative piece, and this could be the match where he starts.

Attack

Ferran Torres will retain his spot. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s attack is expected to remain the same as last weekend. Hansi Flick has stated that Robert Lewandowski will be slowly introduced into the team, meaning he is unlikely to start just yet.

That leaves Ferran Torres to lead the line once more as the central striker, supported by the dazzling Lamine Yamal on the right wing and Raphinha on the left.

This trio showed good chemistry against Mallorca and will be expected to provide the attacking spark again.