RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports
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Barcelona are back on the road for their second La Liga match of the season as the champions face off against last year’s La Liga 2 winners Levante at the Ciutat de València Stadium.
After a somewhat disappointing victory over 9-man Mallorca in their season opener last week, Barça look for a stronger performance against a team they will be expected to beat to stay top of the table, but the Catalans have struggled on their recent games away to Levante and must be ready for a tough fight in this one.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle.
Defense
Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images
Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images
Barça’s defense kept a clean sheet in their opener but had some moments of vulnerability even after Mallorca had two players sent off, and Flick will undoubtedly look for a more complete showing from his backline.
We likely won’t see any changes at the back, with Eric García keeping his place over Jules Kounde at right-back, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí at center-back, and Alejandro Balde on the left. Joan Garcia had a strong debut in goal, and will look for a second straight clean sheet on the road to begin his Barça career.
Midfield
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Frenkie de Jong and Pedri had a strong evening together as the double pivot, and they will most likely start again in this one. The only doubt about the lineup in midfield is the number 10 position, with Fermín López not at his best against Mallorca and Dani Olmo once again fully fit after recovering from a minor preseason injury and playing 45 minutes last week.
We think Flick will give Olmo the nod in this one to maintain the competition between Dani and Fermín, with both players well aware that the other will always be ready to take their place.
Attack
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Barça’s attack was disappointing on Saturday after scoring “only” three goals despite playing almost 60 minutes against nine men and creating a whole lot of opportunities, but poor finishing and decision-making up front stopped the Blaugrana from getting a much bigger win in their debut.
Robert Lewandowski is back after completing a full week of training, but we think Flick will be cautious with his veteran striker and bring the Pole off the bench in this one, with Ferran Torres starting up top and Lamine Yamal and Raphinha keeping their place on the wings.
Possible XI: Garcia; Eric, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Levante? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!
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