Flick Scrambles to Reshape Barcelona Squad as Como Clash Forces Major Lineup Overhaul
Barcelona wrap up their preseason campaign on Sunday with a match against Como in the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy fixture.
Recent developments in Catalonia have created some unexpected changes over the last few days, with defender Iñigo Martínez departing the club as a free agent to join Al Nassr and striker Robert Lewandowski picking up a hamstring problem during practice.
Consequently, Hansi Flick may provide chances to important players seeking to cement their positions as regular starters as the Catalans aim to retain their La Liga title and build upon their Champions League semifinal appearance.
Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford represent the most probable candidates to spearhead the attack, and Flick might utilize this fixture as an evaluation for the latter, whose adaptability was a significant factor in Barcelona's decision to secure him on loan from Manchester United.
Here's the potential Barcelona formation for the Joan Gamper Trophy encounter when they host former midfielder and current Como coach Cesc Fàbregas.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Como (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—The summer acquisition is expected to serve as Barcelona's primary goalkeeper following his significant transfer from Espanyol earlier this summer.
RB: Jules Koundé—Koundé has performed admirably during preseason as he seeks to control the right wing in Flick's sophomore campaign.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The Spanish defender is set for increased playing time this season following Iñigo Martínez's surprising free departure this week.
CB: Ronald Araújo—The Uruguayan center-back has returned to his role as vice-captain after Marc-André ter Stegen regained the captaincy, though the goalkeeper's injury ensures he'll wear the armband anyway.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Balde excels as an attacking fullback who covers the left flank effectively while allowing his left forward to drift inside and challenge central defenders.
DM: Pedri—Pedri serves as the core of Barcelona's midfield and should receive substantial minutes in this final preparation match.
DM: Frenkie de Jong—The Dutch midfielder is nearing a contract extension and should partner Pedri in the defensive midfield pairing.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Yamal provided an assist in the previous match against Daegu and should feature for at least 45 minutes before the Mallorca fixture.
AM: Dro Fernández—The promising La Masia prospect who has impressed this summer earns another starting opportunity given Dani Olmo's uncertain availability.
LW: Raphinha—Raphinha ranks among Barcelona's top performers. Despite his goal-scoring struggles during preseason, the Brazilian maintains his status as the preferred left-wing option.
ST: Marcus Rashford—Flick may decide to start Rashford, with Lewandowski recovering from his hamstring setback. Should Rashford deliver a strong performance, he could lead the attack against Mallorca.