Barcelona predicted XI vs Mallorca as Flick likely to reward ‘underrated’ star | OneFootball

FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca are set to clash in what will be the first La Liga game of the season for both teams. While Mallorca will have the home advantage, La Blaugrana will have superior quality and positive momentum on their side.

Still, that would require Hansi Flick to field a strong lineup for the encounter. With certain player registrations now likely to be sorted ahead of the game, the Barça coach will certainly have some great options to choose from.

Here is how Barça could line up for the game against Mallorca.

Predicted Barcelona XI vs Mallorca:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

With the Spanish goalkeeper already registered as a Barcelona player, it would be a no-brainer for Hansi Flick to start him.

The Frenchman has renewed his contract with the club, and that just goes to show the confidence and faith that the club and the coaching staff have in him.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

After having started the last game against Como, the Uruguayan defender seems to be in a good position to start this game as well.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young defender remains a guarantee at the back for Hansi Flick, and his presence enables others at Barça to excel as well.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

Thanks to his speed and agility, Alejandro Balde could prove to be a useful asset on the left flank, and he could really trouble Mallorca.

In terms of composure and stability, few players offer the same kind of quality as Frenkie de Jong. As a key component of Flick’s team, it would be unlikely to see him not starting this game.

CDM: Pedri

The piece that makes this team operate at its best level and as functionally as possible, Pedri is the beating heart of Flick’s Barça. Starting him is simply crucial for the German tactician.

Barça’s new No. 10 continuously amazed during the preseason with his skills. Finally, he will now have the chance to do it in an official game as well.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

Fermin Lopez’s recent performances have boosted his chances of starting, with his intensity, eye for goal, and dynamism making him a valuable midfield option.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Hansi Flick admitted he ‘wasn’t entirely happy’ with the youngster earlier in preseason but praised his improvement in recent weeks. Club legend Pedro also hailed him as ‘underrated’.

LAM: Raphinha

The Brazilian winger found the back of the net in the last game, and he will want to continue that positive momentum into this clash as well.

The Spaniard played the second half of the previous game against Como, so he should be ready to start this game against Mallorca.