Barcelona expected to name full-strength side against Feyenoord with only one change

Barcelona are expected to make just one change to the side that faced Valencia when they begin their UEFA Champions League campaign against Feyenoord at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.

The Catalan club have made winning Europe’s premier competition their leading target this season, with Barcelona still waiting to add to the trophy they last lifted in 2015.

That ambition has been stated publicly by both manager Hansi Flick and forward Lamine Yamal. The pair reiterated Barcelona’s determination during the news conference before the club’s first European appearance of the campaign on home soil.

With that objective clearly established, there is an expectation that Flick will select a full-strength team for the opening fixture. However, the German has offered no indication of his plans, either in his comments to the media or during training, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan newspaper reports that Jules Kounde will start at right-back, replacing the suspended Eric Garcia. Garcia also suffered a nose injury during Barcelona’s most recent match against Valencia.

That is expected to be the only alteration from the team that played in the previous game.

Xavi Espart, a versatile graduate of the club’s academy, is set to operate at left-back, while Juan Garcia is expected to start in goal.

Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin are expected to form the central defensive pairing. In midfield, Rodri and Pedri are set to play behind Fermin Lopez, who has earned his place after an impressive display at Mestalla.

The attacking line is expected to include Yamal on the right, where he will retain his usual position. The teenager has scored four goals across his past two matches.

Anthony Gordon is expected to start on the left after contributing five assists, while Raphinha will lead the attack. The Brazilian forward has scored six goals in four league appearances and currently tops the scoring charts.

The predicted Barcelona line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Juan Garcia

Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Xavi Espart

Midfielders: Pedri, Rodri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, Raphinha

Barcelona’s public commitment to winning the UEFA Champions League reflects the importance the club places on ending a lengthy wait for European success. Their previous triumph came in 2015, and Flick and Yamal have made clear that another title is the priority this season.

The match against Feyenoord will therefore represent more than the start of the group-stage campaign for Barcelona. It will be the first opportunity for the squad to demonstrate that ambition in a competitive European fixture, with the expected line-up suggesting Flick intends to begin with his strongest available options.

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