FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Renato Gonçalves Renato Goncalves is the deputy manager of Barca Blaugranes and has been writing for the site since all the way back in 2014. He’s a massive sports fan and has been crazy about Barcelona ever since Rivaldo scored that bicycle kick in 2001.
Barcelona look to continue their strong start to La Liga as the Catalans will try for a fourth straight win when they face historic rivals Valencia at Mestalla.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Sunday’s battle:
Defense
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barça make their European debut against Feyenoord on Wednesday and there’s a natural thought that Hansi Flick will rotate his team, but a win in this one is crucial to open up an early three-point lead at the top so we are expecting a strong team.
We think there will be two changes at the back with Eric Garcia returning at right-back in place of Jules Kounde and Gerard Martín replacing Andreas Christensen as Pau Cubarsí’s center-back partner.
Xavi Espart is off to a great start to the season, and simply cannot be dropped from the left-back spot right now. Flick could choose to start João Cancelo to give him more rhythm, but we still think Espart will be in the lineup.
Midfield
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The much-anticipated first start of new signing Rodri is expected for this one after playing a little over 60 total minutes in his first two appearances, and we also think Fermín López will return to the lineup ahead of Dani Olmo.
Pedri is expected to complete the lineup, although Flick may choose to rest The Wizard with the Champions League opener in mind and play Marc Bernal in a more advanced role in midfield.
Attack
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Barça have a very clear starting front three in Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon, and we think Flick will pick all three to start and try to blitz Valencia early to rest a couple or maybe all of them later on. New signing Gabriel Jesus will be in the squad and could get some minutes in the second half, but the Brazilian isn’t ready to start just yet.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon (4-3-3)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Valencia? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!