Barcelona aim to extend their winning streak at the start of the 2024/25 season when they visit Girona in a Catalan derby on Sunday afternoon.
The Hansi Flick era has started flawlessly with Barcelona winning all four La Liga games so far. They are guaranteed to end matchday five at the top of the table, with no other team having picked up more than two wins, including fierce rivals Real Madrid.
However, Girona is the toughest test they have faced under their new boss. Michel’s side qualified for the 2023/24 Champions League and beat Barca 4-2 home and away, finishing with just four points in the final standings.
Without a doubt, Barça will set to work to keep their perfect balance intact at the Montilivi Stadium.
Here’s how Flick could line up his side for Sunday’s encounter.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Even in Barça’s 7-0 at Real Valladolid Before the international break, Ter Stegen had to make a great first-half save to secure his first clean sheet of the season. He hasn’t been perfect this quarter, but he’s still capable of making big stops.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde was a surprise goalscorer against Valladolid with a good finish, but his main focus will be his defensive responsibility against Girona. He will likely be tasked with keeping Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil quiet.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The youngster continues to look as incredibly composed as he did in his 2023/24 campaign and defensive injuries make him an even more significant presence in the backline.
CB: Inigo Martinez – With Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen out, MartÃnez’s only competition at center back is Eric Garcia, who spent last season with Girona. However, the veteran may get the nod for now.
LB: Alexandre Balde – Balde was a threat in Real Valladolid’s half before the international break and his attacks can cause similar problems for Girona. He may have his hands full with the impressive Viktor Tsygankov at the other end.
DM: Marc Casado – Injuries have stripped Barça’s midfield, with FermÃn López the last to reside in the treatment room. With Ilkay Gundogan also leaving for Manchester City, Casado has an excellent opportunity to secure a string of starts.
DM: Peter – Despite being only 21 years old, Pedri already feels like one of the biggest leaders in Barça’s midfield. The Spaniard’s delicious passing range should be on display against Girona.
RW: Lamine Yamal РThe teenager is already the model of consistency, with four excellent The League actions that start a huge campaign. He has already made one goal and four assists for Bar̤a this season.
AM: Dani Olmo – Like a duck to water, Olmo has adapted to life in Barcelona very quickly. A winning goal on his debut was followed by a sensational display against Valladolid, and the Spaniard should be fit this weekend after a fear of injury in international duties.
LW: Raphinha РBar̤a He will be delighted to have kept Raphinha after all after an impressive start to the term. Three goals and one assist undoubtedly earned him the player of the match award against Valladolid.
ST: Robert Lewandowski РGoals follow closely behind Lewandowski, with Poland benefiting from his header during the international break. He has four goals in four starts with Bar̤a in the League and there are still many more to come.
