Barcelona’s starting XI could feature up to eight changes from last season’s opening day

Barcelona kickstart their 2022/23 La Liga campaign later this evening as they play hosts to Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou.

The Catalans have gone through a summer of changes, notably bagging the services of no less than six top players in the month of July. At the same time, they have sanctioned the exit of multiple fringe players in the squad.

So naturally, we can expect a host of changes in the Barcelona starting eleven, with respect to the team that started against Real Sociedad, on the first matchday of last season.

In fact, there could be up to eight changes from the team that featured against Real Sociedad, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, for one, set to start in between the sticks in place of Neto, who has been asked to leave the club after falling behind Inaki Pena in the pecking order.

Moving on, the crux of the Barcelona backline appears to have changed, with Sergi Roberto tipped to start ahead of Sergino Dest at right-back. While Jordi Alba should continue on the opposite flank, we could see a new central defensive combination in Ronald Araujo and new signing Andreas Christensen.

In midfield, there could be only one change, in the form of Gavi. The youngster has been tipped to start over Frenkie de Jong, who has been subjected to a move away from Camp Nou after being left frustrated by the club.

Gavi should start alongside Pedri in the interior midfield slot, with Sergio Busquets operating as the main number six.

Moving into the attacking unit, Barcelona were able to register Robert Lewandowski on Friday night.

It goes without saying that the Polish international is set to spearhead the Barça frontline, replacing Memphis Depay. There could be changes in the wider attacking roles as well, with Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha replacing Antoine Griezmann and Martin Braithwaite.