Barcelona coach expected to make only one key change to starting XI vs Athletic Club

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is expected to make just one significant change to his starting lineup for the upcoming home match against Athletic Club, according to a recent report from SPORT. 

This change could involve Pedri, who appears to be in better physical condition after making a substitute appearance against Valencia. 

On the other hand, the outlet mentions that Fermin Lopez, who has yet to regain his full rhythm after returning from vacation, will likely remain on the bench. 

Meanwhile, Dani Olmo, who is now expected to be registered following Ilkay Gundogan’s exit, is set to make his debut, although it will likely be as a substitute rather than starting from the kickoff.

Not many changes expected against Athletic Club

Flick seems inclined to stick with the pairing of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in the double pivot. This combination has provided stability in recent matches, and the manager may not want to disrupt that balance. 

The player who might find himself dropped from the starting XI is Ferran Torres, who has struggled to make a significant impact recently. 

Flick could opt to place Raphinha on the left wing, with Pedri taking up the attacking midfield role, which would provide more fluidity in the attack.

In defence, Andreas Christensen could also be an option, though Inigo Martinez is more likely to retain his spot alongside Pau Cubarsi in the central defence pairing. 

Martinez’s recent performances have been solid, and Flick may prefer to keep that consistency at the back.

As for Alejandro Balde, who was initially taken off due to a knock on his thigh, he is reportedly fine now. 

However, considering the busy schedule ahead, which includes a match against Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, Flick might want to rotate the Spaniard, and in this scenario, Gerard Martin could be given a chance to start.