Barcelona’s midweek selection is set to carry the weight of a wider week: a Wednesday meeting with Racing de Santander at Spotify Camp Nou comes before a demanding Saturday trip to Sevilla, where last season’s 4-1 defeat at the Sánchez Pizjuán remains a warning.
Barcelona weigh changes before a testing away weekend
SEO title: Barcelona plan rotation for Racing de Santander before Sevilla test
SEO description: Hansi Flick is considering changes throughout Barcelona’s side against Racing de Santander, with the trip to Sevilla following on Saturday.
Hansi Flick is considering at least one alteration in each area of his team for Racing’s visit, managing the immediate midweek task while keeping one eye on a fixture that previously proved costly in Andalusia.
The planned selection sequence
- Barcelona host Racing de Santander on Wednesday at Spotify Camp Nou, with Flick expected to freshen his side.
- The defence could see the greatest reshuffle, particularly at full-back. Eric García and Xavi Espart may be rested, allowing Jules Koundé and João Cancelo to come into the team.
- Pau Cubarsí is expected to retain his place at centre-back alongside Gerard Martín. Cubarsí was taken off at half-time after an incident in the previous match against Levante.
- In midfield, Dani Olmo is pushing for a return to the starting XI, while Gavi could begin among the substitutes. Rodri and Pedri are expected to start.
- Karim Adeyemi could replace Anthony Gordon in attack, with Raphinha and Lamine remaining Barcelona’s principal scoring threats as the club’s leading scorers.
- Joan García is set to continue in goal. He has already recorded three clean sheets in the opening five matchdays and is strongly placed in the race to retain the Zamora Trophy.
- Barcelona then travel to Sevilla on Saturday, returning to the ground where they were beaten 4-1 last season.
A week shaped by squad management
The Racing match offers Flick the chance to distribute minutes without losing the core of his side. Cubarsí, Rodri, Pedri, Raphinha and Lamine are expected to provide continuity, while the prospective returns of Koundé, Cancelo, Olmo and Adeyemi would change the outline around them.
For Barcelona, the midweek line-up is therefore not simply about one home match. It is part of a European-season rhythm in which every selection decision can alter the condition, confidence and options available for the next major away night.
