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Barcelona finally kick off their La Liga title defense on Sunday with an away trip to Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
Having been granted an additional week to prepare for their season opener due to several players' involvement in the final rounds of the World Cup, La Blaugrana will be looking to get off to a winning start against a side that only just survived relegation in the previous campaign.
Nevertheless, some caution is warranted, as Hansi Flick is forced to put out a depleted squad. Frenkie de Jong, Roony Bardghji and new signing Rodri are all out with injuries, while the likes of Pedri and Pau Cubarsí are expected to be left out of the starting eleven as they work their way back to full fitness.
Here's the likely XI the champions could go with.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Elche
GK: Joan García—The World Cup-winning shot-stopper—who, it must be said, didn't feature during the tournament in North America—is aiming to be named La Liga's top goalkeeper for the third consecutive season.
RB: Eric García—The 25-year-old has disclosed that his manager envisions him at fullback this season, setting up a battle with Jules Koundé for the right side of the backline.
CB: Andreas Christensen—With Ronald Araújo having departed for Liverpool and Cubarsí likely limited to a bench role, the injury-susceptible Christensen is set for another start after featuring regularly throughout preseason.
CB: Gerard Martín—The adaptable 24-year-old was a standout performer last season, racking up 51 appearances across all competitions, and is expected to play a major role again this year.
LB: Alejandro Balde—The permanent arrival of João Cancelo poses a threat to Balde's playing time going forward, though the Spaniard is likely to start the season opener given his teammate only completed his signing a few days ago.
CM: Marc Bernal—The midfield department is a concern for Flick ahead of the Elche fixture, with De Jong, Rodri, Pedri and Gavi all either injured or not yet at full fitness. Fortunately, Bernal is fit and available, and is somehow the most experienced of Barça's central midfield options this weekend.
CM: Xavi Espart—Off the back of a strong preseason, reports suggest the 19-year-old will be rewarded with just his seventh competitive senior outing and only his second La Liga start.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barça's star man returned with a goal and an assist in the 5–2 friendly against Basel, before logging over an hour of action in the midweek Joan Gamper Trophy victory over Al Ahly.
AM: Fermín López—A painful injury setback on the eve of the World Cup at least afforded him a complete preseason. He has featured in three friendlies under Flick and currently holds the edge over Dani Olmo for the No.10 starting role.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian now has competition from Anthony Gordon on the left flank, but hardly needs to prove a point after contributing to 84 goals across the past two seasons at Barça.
ST: Hamza Abdelkarim—Flick is in need of a new central striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and Abdelkarim has done enough to earn a start on Sunday after netting four times in preseason.