Barcelona expected to rotate against Racing Santander as Hansi Flick weighs changes

Barcelona are expected to make several changes when they host Racing Santander in La Liga on Wednesday evening, with Hansi Flick managing his squad amid a demanding run of fixtures.

Dani Olmo, Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo are among the leading candidates to return to the starting line-up, although Flick is still considering several other positions. The German coach has regularly rotated his squad since the start of the season, making at least three changes in each of Barcelona’s past five league matches.

Further adjustments are likely with another game against Sevilla scheduled for Saturday.

Olmo is one of the strongest contenders to start after being named among the substitutes for the recent match against Levante. Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, could be rested with the Sevilla fixture so close.

Gavi’s involvement is also being monitored after he spoke with Flick during the team’s latest training session. The midfielder began the season as a regular starter before a knee knock kept him out for a period. He has since returned to the squad but faces strong competition for a place in midfield.

Pedri remains an important part of Flick’s plans, though the manager continues to handle his workload carefully. He has regularly substituted the midfielder during matches to avoid asking him to play the full 90 minutes every time.

Defensive and attacking choices

Kounde and Cancelo are both in contention to return to the starting XI in defence. Flick wants to give Kounde more playing time as he looks to help the defender regain his best form, while Cancelo could start again after featuring from the beginning against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Pau Cubarsi is expected to retain his place in central defence, but his partner has not yet been decided. Gerard Martin and Andreas Christensen have shared that role in recent matches, with both players completing 45 minutes against Levante.

There is less sign of a rest for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who have become established members of Barcelona’s preferred attacking line-up.

The left-wing position remains the most open selection. Karim Adeyemi started against Feyenoord in the Champions League, while Gordon returned to the starting XI for the Levante match, leaving Flick to choose between the two players.

Barcelona’s line-up could therefore include several changes, particularly the returns of Olmo, Kounde and Cancelo. Yamal and Raphinha are expected to remain among the players Flick relies on most.

The predicted team is: Juan Garcia; Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde; Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Gordon, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.