As the excitement builds for their next fixture, FC Barcelona is set to face Valencia in a crucial La Liga encounter at Mestalla. The match is scheduled for Sunday, and head coach Hansi Flick has officially named a squad of 24 players for the challenge ahead.
The roster includes three goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, and Dominik Livakovic. In defense, Barcelona will rely on João Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, Jules Kounde, and Eric Garcia to fortify their backline.
In the midfield, the team features a mix of youth and experience with Brian Fariñas, Gavi, Fermín López, Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Marc Bernal. The forward line boasts an array of talent, including new signing Gabriel Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, and Hamza Abdelkarim.
A significant highlight of this squad announcement is the inclusion of Gabriel Jesus, who is anticipated to make his debut in the second half of the match. His addition comes at a pivotal time for the team as they aim to solidify their position in the league. Gavi also makes his return to the squad after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for the past two games. However, the team will be without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both ruled out due to knee injuries.
With 24 players named, only 23 can be selected for the matchday squad, meaning one player will have to be left out. Lamine Yamal's participation is uncertain due to a minor injury, and the final decision on the lineup will be confirmed closer to kickoff.
Flick is expected to field a starting XI in a 4-3-3 formation, which may include Joan in goal; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, and Espart in defense; and a midfield trio of Fermín, Rodri, and Pedri. Up front, the attacking trio could consist of Adeyemi, Raphinha, and Gordon, aiming to secure vital points in the league.
The match is set to kick off at 4:15 PM CET (local time in Barcelona), 3:15 PM BST (UK & Nigeria), 10:15 AM ET, 7:15 AM PT (USA), and 7:45 PM IST (India). Fans are encouraged to join the live commentary and follow the action as Barcelona looks to continue their pursuit of La Liga success.
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