As per SPORT, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is preparing to rotate his starting XI against Real Betis as he manages his squad ahead of crucial fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Following the demanding Champions League encounter against Galatasaray, Flick will have to balance the team to compete for three points in La Liga with keeping his key players fresh for the trips and challenges ahead.
On that note, the outlet points out that Jules Kounde and Xavi Espart are candidates to start in defence, while Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus could also feature from the beginning.
Barcelona’s match against Betis is the first of three demanding fixtures, with PSG up next before the meeting with Real Madrid.
Flick’s selection will therefore be important in managing workloads without sacrificing the team’s attacking threat or defensive stability.
Kounde and Espart could start against Betis
Jules Kounde will replace Eric Garcia on the right. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
Kounde and Xavi Espart are among the players in contention to enter the starting XI after beginning the Galatasaray match on the bench.
Kounde could occupy the right-back position, with Espart potentially starting on the left.
Their inclusion would allow Flick to manage the minutes of Joao Cancelo and Eric Garcia, who could be needed for the subsequent Champions League fixture against PSG.
Flick faces midfield dilemma with Rodri, Pedri and Fermin
The midfield presents a more complicated decision, as Flick has been reluctant to leave Rodri out of his starting XI, instead managing the midfielder’s workload without necessarily substituting him before the final whistle.
Frenkie de Jong’s return gives the manager another option, with Marc Bernal and Gavi also available to compete for places.
Gavi could find a place in the starting XI agianst Real Betis. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Pedri and Fermin Lopez are candidates to retain their positions after starting against Galatasaray, although Gavi could enter the team and displace one of them.
With several players capable of filling different roles, the Barcelona manager must decide where rotation is most practical without weakening the team’s control in midfield.
Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus could lead Barcelona attack
As expected, Lamine Yamal is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, while Adeyemi could replace Anthony Gordon after making an impact off the bench against Galatasaray.
The German forward’s goal in Istanbul strengthens his case for a starting opportunity against Betis.
Gabriel Jesus is another potential change. Having started the Champions League fixture on the bench, the Brazilian is in contention to lead the line as Barcelona look to maintain their attacking threat while managing minutes across the squad.