FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is expected to make a number of interesting line up changes when his team travels to Istanbul to take on Galatasaray in the Champions League Tuesday night.
Flick has reportedly already warned his high-flying squad of the hostile atmosphere that awaits them in the Ali Sami Yet, and indicated that he’d be happy with a 1-0 win ahead of a tough La Liga test away at Real Betis on Saturday.
Last weekend against Getafe, Flick had to replace Raphinha with Gabriel Jesus following the extended international break in which the Brazilian did indeed pick up a thigh knock playing for his country.
Jesus made the most of his opportunity by scoring a no-look effort in front of the Gol Sud at Camp Nou, as a part of a 3-o rout.
In Turkey, however, he is expected to be replaced by another winger converted into a 9 - akin to Raphinha - in the first of the goalscorers against Jose Bordalas’ men.
Anthony Gordon has played as a striker before for England’s youth teams, and his confidence is on a high after a number of goals for club and country as of late.
With the left wing freed up, Karim Adeyemi should get the nod there while Ballon d’Or candidate Lamine Yamal mans the right.
Flick was wise by resting Pedri to make the way for Gavi last time out. On the continent, the number 8 returns to partner Rodri, and so too does Fermin Lopez at positional rival Dani Olmo’s expense.
At the moment, it’s not clear if Fermin is a midfielder by Pedri’s side with Rodri a pivot behind them, or if the Andalusian is the usual CAM.
Back in defense, Pau Cubarsi returns to partner Gerard Martin. As Flick goes for experience over youth, Joao Cancelo is the left back and Eric Garcia stays in the fold at right back despite Jules Kounde’s impressive outing against Getafe which also took in a goal.
Seeking a rare Champions League clean sheet, Joan Garcia is the shot stopper.
What FC Barcelona head coach Flick said
“We expect Galatasaray to play like they did in the last match. They have very good attackers, and we have to adapt. We always have to, and we do. We have to adapt to the opponent and to what we need. And that’s what we’ll do tomorrow.”
FC Barcelona Vs. Galatasaray kicks off at 21.00 CEST.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com