Barcelona will be aiming for their second win of the week when they take on Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday in La Liga.
Having secured a resounding win over RCD Mallorca on Tuesday, the Blaugrana will be eager to carry the momentum forward, especially with tougher matches against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid on the horizon.
As such, it will not come as a surprise to see manager Hansi Flick give a rest to some of his permanent fixtures from the starting XI tomorrow against Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Pedri to be rested
To that end, Ferran Correas of SPORT reports that Barcelona midfield mainstay Pedri is set to be handed a breather by Hansi Flick on Saturday against Real Betis.
So far this season, Pedri has featured in each of Barça’s 21 matches in all competitions, starting 19 in total, with a return of three goals and assists apiece.
The 22-year-old is simply untouchable for Flick & co. when it comes to his importance on the field.
Gavi to start in place of Pedri vs Betis? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
However, given the matches coming up against Dortmund and Atletico Madrid later this month, the manager wants to have his ace midfielder at 100% fit, which is why he will get a breather tomorrow, much like Robert Lewandowski was rested vs Mallorca.
Gavi to start
The fact that Flick has a plethora of options in the midfield department means he can afford to rest Pedri briefly tomorrow.
After all, the Barcelona head coach could easily turn to someone like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, or even Eric Garcia for that matter, to partner Marc Casado in the middle of the park.
And, as per the report, everything points to Gavi getting the nod alongside Casado in place of Pedri tomorrow at Benito Villamarin.
The La Masia gem has been slowly working his way back to full fitness after nearly a year out due to an ACL injury. He has made two starts thus far – against Celta Vigo and Las Palmas – this season and is in line to feature from the get-go again tomorrow.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.