FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is expected to make several changes when his side hosts Racing Santander at the Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday.
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Barcelona, who currently lead the league, are preparing for another home match under heavy rain, with torrential conditions forecast for Wednesday night.
The club’s players already competed through a severe downpour at home last week, routing Feyenoord 5-1 in their Champions League debut.
There were some concerns following Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Levante, as Barcelona took control before losing momentum and allowing Levante to score twice through lapses in concentration from players including La Masia graduates Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal late in the match.
They still secured the three points, with Karim Adeyemi sealing the victory with an excellent goal. The focus now shifts to Racing Santander, whose match at the Spotify Camp Nou kicks off later than usual at 21:30 local time.
Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal. The defence will include fresh faces such as Joao Cancelo and Jules Kounde on the flanks, while Andreas Christensen is set to partner Pau Cubarsi instead of Gerard Martin.
That selection leaves Eric Garcia and Espart on the bench, although either could still be used later.
Several observers expected Gavi to receive minutes, but he is also thought likely to begin on the bench for a third consecutive match, as he has been in the last three appearances, including two as an unused substitute.
Rodri is expected to occupy the pivot position, with Pedri ahead of him and Dani Olmo preferred to Fermin Lopez.
Up front, Barcelona are expected to field the same attacking trio of Anthony Gordon, La Liga’s leading scorer Raphinha and Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal.
What Hansi Flick said
“I don’t want to break records (by winning seven in a row). We want to win games, every game. I don’t think about other things, only about tomorrow’s game. We play against an opponent who is doing very well, with a coach who has done a fantastic job. It will not be an easy game, we need all the players focused.”
FC Barcelona vs. Racing Santander kicks off at 21:30 local time.