Barcelona will be aiming to extend their winning run at the start of the 2024/25 season when they visit Girona in a Catalan derby on Sunday afternoon.
The Hansi Flick era has got off to a flawless start with Barcelona winning all four of their La Liga matches so far. They are guaranteed to finish matchday five at the top of the table, with no other side having secured more than two victories – including fierce rivals Real Madrid.
However, Girona are the toughest test that they have faced under their new boss. Michel’s outfit qualified for the Champions League in 2023/24 and beat Barca 4-2 home and away, finishing just four points off them in the final standings.
Barca are undoubtedly going to be made to work to keep their perfect record intact at the Estadi Montilivi.
Here is how Flick could line his side up for Sunday’s encounter.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Even in Barca’s 7-0 hammering of Real Valladolid before the international break, Ter Stegen needed to make a big save in the first half to secure a first clean sheet of the season. He’s not been perfect this term but he’s still capable of important stops.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde was a surprise goalscorer against Valladolid with a well-taken finish but his primary focus will be his defensive responsibilities against Girona. He will likely be tasked with keeping Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil quiet.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The youngster continues to look as unbelievably composed as he did in his breakout 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, Martinez’s only competition at centre-back is Eric Garcia – who spent last season with Girona. However, the veteran may get the nod for now.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Balde was a menace in the Real Valladolid half before the international break and his attacking runs could cause Girona similar issues. He may have his hands full with the impressive Viktor Tsygankov at the other end.
DM: Marc Casado – Injuries have stripped Barca’s midfield bare, with Fermin Lopez the latest to take residence in the treatment room. With Ilkay Gundogan having left for Manchester City too, Casado has an excellent opportunity to earn a run of starts.
DM: Pedri – Despite being just 21 years of age, Pedri already feels like one of the older heads in Barca’s midfield. The Spaniard’s delightful passing range should be on show against Girona.
RW: Lamine Yamal – The teenager is already the model of consistency, with four excellent La Liga performances kicking off an enormous campaign. He has already produced a goal and four assists for Barca this term.
AM: Dani Olmo – Like a duck to water, Olmo has adjusted to life at Barcelona very swiftly. A winning goal on his debut was followed up by a sensational display against Valladolid, and the Spaniard should be fit this weekend after an injury scare on international duty.
LW: Raphinha – Barca will be pleased to have kept Raphinha around after all following an impressive start to the term. Three goals and an assist unsurprisingly earned him the player of the match award against Valladolid.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Goals follow Lewandowski closely, with Poland the beneficiaries of his sharpshooting over the international break. He has four goals in four starts for Barca in La Liga and there is plenty more yet to come.
