Barcelona predicted line-up to face Real Valladolid in La Liga clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona finally return to La Liga action as they look to defend their lead at the top of the table. For the Catalan giants, it is important that they manage to temporarily extend that lead to seven points by winning their next game. Thus, this upcoming game against Real Valladolid will be an important one for Barcelona.

At the same time, however, Hansi Flick has confirmed that rotations will be necessary. After all, the team managed to secure a 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie and there is now all to play for in the second leg. Thus, it makes sense for Hansi Flick to rest most of his regular starters right now.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for this game.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Finally back from injury and in the squad list as well for this game, Hansi Flick has already stated that Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will start this game. It will be a positive sight to see the Barcelona captain back in action.

Right-back: Hector Fort

Not utilized much by Hansi Flick beyond his last appearance against RCD Mallorca, but that could change against Real Valladolid. With Jules Kounde injured, it could be an opportunity to give Fort another chance to shine.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

The Uruguayan defender offers strength and leadership at the back, so he could be a good option to start this game. Potentially, based on how well he performs here, he could even be taken into consideration as a potential starter for the Inter Milan game considering Hansi Flick has to make a big decision at the right-back position.

Centre-back: Andreas Christensen

Finally back in action, the Danish centre-back had a solid cameo in his last game against Inter Milan. Now, if he is fit to start again, this would be as good an opportunity as any for Hansi Flick to test him on the pitch again.

Left-back: Gerard Martin

With Alejandro Balde nearing his return soon, Gerard Martin may have to take over left-back duties in this game. Moreover, since Jules Kounde is sidelined, it means that the likes of Fort or some other player will have to tend to the right-back position.

Able to offer stability and composure when in possession, Frenkie de Jong certainly offers some unique benefits that could come in handy in a game like this where the regular starters are expected to be rested.

CDM: Gavi

The young midfielder offers technical quality and intensity in the midfield, and that is exactly what Barcelona will need in this game. However, there is a chance that he ends up getting a yellow card and missing the upcoming El Clasico, so Hansi Flick will need to consider that.

Gavi in action for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

RAM: Dani Rodriguez

Since it is likely that Hansi Flick could end up resting both Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, there are limitations to what is possible and what is not. With Pablo Torre now injured as well, Hansi Flick will have to assess if a regular forward starts in this game and Dani Rodriguez might just be fortunate enough to get his first team debut as a start for the team.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

The intense and dynamic Fermin Lopez could be a good option to start this game. Barcelona will need all the energy they can muster, and Lopez definitely offers that at a high level.

It would make sense for Ansu Fati to get the opportunity to start this game. With the regular Barcelona forwards likely to be rested for this encounter, it would be a good opportunity for the youngster to build on from his promising display against RCD Mallorca.

With Ferran Torres likely to be rested in order to keep him fresh for the game against Inter Milan, Pau Victor could be the player to start this game. Moreover, Robert Lewandowski is still recovering so him playing in this game is ruled out as well.