FC Barcelona are set to take on Real Betis at La Cartuja in La Liga in less than an hour and Hansi Flick has announced his starting lineup for this evening’s encounter.
The Catalans enter the contest looking to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign, having won all eight matches so far this season.
However, the fixture comes during an exceptionally demanding period for Barcelona, following their 4-1 Champions League victory over Galatasaray.
It is sandwiched right inbetween that trip to Turkey and a trip to France to face PSG, before welcoming Real Madrid to the Camp Nou next weekend.
Flick’s team selection has attracted particular attention, with the German tactician having to make some difficult calls to manage workload.
Flick makes 4 changes against Betis
In goal, Joan Garcia unsurprisingly starts for Barcelona, while Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Xavi Espart complete the defensive line.
Moving into midfield, Rodri and Pedri feature alongside Fermin Lopez as Flick looks to establish control against a Betis side capable of causing problems in possession.
Further forward, Lamine Yamal and Karim Adeyemi occupy the wide positions with Gabriel Jesus leading Barca’s attack.
The most notable selection decision is starting Karim Adeyemi on the left instead of the in-form Anthony Gordon.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde replaces Eric at right-back and Gabriel Jesus returns to the starting line-up after a promising cameo against Galatasaray.
With Barcelona facing PSG and Real Madrid in the coming days, Flick’s choices also offer an indication of how he intends to manage his squad through this important run of fixtures.
Nevertheless, the immediate priority remains securing another three points and extending Barcelona’s outstanding start to the domestic season and it remains to be seen how they fare against Betis.