Report outlines expected Barcelona starting XI vs Mallorca for the La Liga opener | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are done with their pre-season preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 season and aren’t far away from having to play their first La Liga game of the season against Mallorca.

Hansi Flick has done a very good job with trying different permutations and combinations in the pre-season friendlies. However, now, as per Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick’s possible starting XI against Mallorca is already obvious, based on what he has done in pre-season and also considering last season’s hierarchy.

In goal, new signing Joan Garcia is likely to take his place between the sticks. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is out injured, and Inaki Pena is not in Flick’s plans. Szczesny is likely to be the backup on the night. Of course, both players are yet to be registered.

The heart of the defense is likely to have Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi as the first-choice central defensive partnership. Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin are set to be alternatives.

Alejandro Balde is nailed in to start at left-back. The midfield picks itself with Frenkie de Jong keeping his place ahead of Gavi and Marc Casado. Pedri is also a nailed-in starter.

For the #10 role, Fermin Lopez started in the absence of Dani Olmo against Como, and he was unstoppable, scoring an excellent brace in the first half. Even if the ex-Leipzig man is fit, the former should get the nod against Mallorca.

In attack, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are locked in to start on the left and right, respectively. Coming to the number nine position, Ferran Torres is likely to get the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford in Lewandowski’s absence.

The only question mark that Flick is said to have in his starting XI, as per the report, is the right-back role. Kounde was the first-choice last season, but his injury and Eric Garcia’s flawless performance in that role have raised some question marks.

Regardless of which of the two Flick chooses, it looks like he will start a very strong XI against Mallorca in La Liga. Let’s wait and see if Barcelona can get off to a winning start.