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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 perfect start to the season and make it six wins out of six in La Liga as the leaders face newly-promoted Racing Santander at Camp Nou.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle:
Defense
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Barça play their penultimate game before the international break and have been on a very busy run of fixtures, and Flick will continue his rotation policy for this one and possibly rest a few of his most important players.
One of those key starters possibly set for a night off is Pau Cubarsí, with Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martín starting at center-back. We think Xavi Espart will remain at left-back ahead of João Cancelo, and Eric Garcia will start at right-back instead of Jules Kounde.
Midfield
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Rodri played all 90 minutes on Sunday’s win over Levante and could be in line for a rest here, and we think Gavi will return to the starting lineup for the first time since the season opener and form a double pivot alongside Pedri. We think Dani Olmo will be the number 10 for this one, with Fermín López beginning on the bench.
Attack
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Flick’s substitutions on Sunday could inform his thinking for this one as Lamine Yamal got a rare early rest at the hour mark and Raphinha played the full 90 minutes, so we think the Brazilian will get a rest and Anthony Gordon will start at the striker spot since Gabriel Jesus is not ready for big minutes yet. Karim Adeyemi is expected to complete the lineup on the left wing.
Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Christensen, Martín, Espart; Gavi, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Adeyemi; Gordon (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Racing? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!