- FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said that “all the players who train with us can play and start” during his prematch press conference on Saturday, to preview the Sevilla clash.
- Xavi Espart could make his starting debut after earning maiden senior minutes against Newcastle.
- The manager has to think about resting tired legs for the Champions League last 16 second leg, but also consider a slim four point lead at the top of the La Liga table over Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick hinted at rotations being made for Sunday’s La Liga clash at the Spotify Camp Nou against Sevilla on Sunday during his prematch press conference.
Inside a muggy press room at the Joan Gamper CT, on what has been a Saturday full of torrential rain in Catalonia, the manger said that “all the players who train with us can play and start” the hosting of the Andalusians.
With Barça four points clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Spanish top flight summit, the Blaugrana can perhaps afford to drop some.
More important than this is Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg meeting with Newcastle for which Pau Cubarsi has already sent a rallying cry, and where ReadBarcelona will be present in addition to the Sevilla tie.
Until around an hour before kick off at 16:15 local time, however, when the line up is usually announced, Culers and pundits alike will rack their brains thinking about who could be rested and which players get the nod.
Which FC Barcelona stars need a breather?
In midfield, Pedri and Marc Bernal looked spent at St. James’ Park, with the latter visibly exhausted after 90 minutes of the intense 1-1 draw against Premier League opposition.
On the wings, it might be a good idea to give Raphinha and Lamine Yamal a rest and the same logic applies to Pau Cubarsi, who has started 22 out of 27 La Liga outings this term.
Risking them against Sevilla before Newcastle is a gamble that the manager perhaps shouldn’t take, and instead ride his luck on fringe players and youngsters.
“We have played four games in the last 11 days and the options to make changes are limited. In addition to that, some players return from injury,” Flick said, when asked about the squad’s physical state.
“We need a little more time. Marc Bernal, Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford are all coming back from injuries. The attitude of the team has been very good, none of the last games have been easy. They have been very intense matches. We also have very young players who are improving,” the German then added.
Who Steps In For FC Barcelona?
Marc Casado has a great chance to step up to the plate in midfield, and could complete a ‘Made in La Masia’ duo in the centre of the park with Tommy Marques, who would also get his starting debut.
As explained earlier by Pol Ferré, Gavi is expected to make a long-awaited comeback against his fellow Andalusians, but it is highly doubtful he’d be rushed in from the start given the seriousness of his previous injuries.
Marcus Rashford is a candidate to come in for Raphinha, while Roony Bardghji maybe starts on the right wing at Lamine Yamal’s expense after receiving compliments from Flick.
“He’s a professional player and his attitude is incredible, excellent,” Flick said about the Swede. “We know who plays in his position and it’s not easy for him, but his mentality and attitude are very good. It’s not easy for him, but he’s doing a great job.”
Across the backline, resting Cubarsi – which Flick did on February 22 against Levante – could mean a central partnership of Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo.
Joao Cancelo is a shout for left back, but Xavi Espart can, like Marques, run out from the offset at the Spotify Camp Nou for the first time, in what looks to be a promising career for another alumnus of the impressive class of 2007 this time at right back.
Tom’s Take
Flick has never been one to play it safe, and the gamble to rotate will pay off ahead of Newcastle. Culers would prefer dropping points and winning against the English visitors if that’s the way it has to be, and showing faith in his youngsters will also do their confidence wonders.
