FC Barcelona are only two matches away from adding another piece of silverware to their cabinet as they begin their Spanish Super Cup campaign tonight [with a semi-final tie against Athletic Club](https://semprebarca.com/barcelona-vs-athletic-club-match-preview-spanish-super-cup/) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Blaugranes are eager to reach the final and defend the title they won last season, but Hansi Flick is carefully weighing several changes to his starting eleven for the encounter. According to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260107/1002596780/flick-medita-cambios-once-barca.html), the German coach has been forced into some decisions due to fitness concerns and tactical considerations.
One of the main uncertainties surrounds Lamine Yamal. The teenage winger has been dealing with a stomach virus that weakened him over recent days and kept him out of the final training session.
While his participation has not been fully ruled out, Flick is prepared with an alternative. Roony Bardghji is the most natural replacement on the right wing and has impressed the coaching staff with his recent performances in that role.
Beyond the situation with Lamine, Flick is also considering a significant reshuffle in midfield and defence. With Pedri fully recovered and Frenkie de Jong available, the coach is keen to restore their partnership in midfield.
To make that possible, Eric Garcia could be moved back into central defence alongside Pau Cubarsi. This change would see Gerard Martin drop out of the lineup after a solid run of games.
A central pairing of Garcia and Cubarsi would also provide Barcelona with strong ball progression from the back, an important factor against Athletic Club’s aggressive pressing. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are expected to operate as the full-backs, while Joan Garcia will start in goal, a decision Flick confirmed during his pre-match press conference.
Further forward, Fermin Lopez is increasingly likely to start as the attacking midfielder. Flick was full of praise for the energy and intensity Fermin brought off the bench against Espanyol, where he played a key role by providing assists for goals scored by Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
The final major decision lies in attack. Flick appears ready to continue backing Ferran Torres as the number nine, despite Lewandowski making a strong impact in the derby by scoring the second goal that sealed the victory. Ferran’s mobility and pressing are believed to suit the tactical plan for this match.
With several moving pieces and late fitness checks still to be made, Flick’s final lineup will reveal how bold he is willing to be on such a big stage. Barcelona will hope that these potential adjustments are enough to overcome Athletic Club and book a place in the Spanish Super Cup final.