Barcelona predicted lineup vs Valencia - La Liga

The Hansi Flick era begins on Saturday evening as Barcelona travel to Valencia for their opening match of the 2024/25 season.

La Blaugrana endured a campaign to forget in 2023/24 and eventually parted ways with the legendary Xavi Hernandez. After surrendering their La Liga title to Real Madrid, being humbled by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and falling to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey, there was little choice but to pull the trigger.

They begin their hunt to reclaim their La Liga crown this weekend but it will be a threadbare squad travelling to the Mestalla. Injuries will force five key first-teamers to stay in Catalonia, while they face a race against time to register the likes of Dani Olmo, Inigo Martinez and Pau Victor for Saturday's encounter.

With limited options at his disposal, here is how Flick could set up for his debut in the dugout.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Valencia (4-2-3-1)

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Despite a questionable display in Barca's final pre-season friendly against Monaco, the German is still a guaranteed starter heading into the new season. He faces no competition for his place and there is no chance of a replacement being drafted in before the window slams shut.

RB: Hector Fort - A makeshift backine is likely to be installed against Valencia and 18-year-old Fort could benefit. The youngster made seven La Liga appearances last term and could plug a gap on the right-hand side of defence.

CB: Jules Kounde - The Frenchman coped remarkably well in the right-back position last term but may have to revert to centre-back on Saturday. Ronald Araujo's injury and Pau Cubarsi's Olympic exploits leave Barca light at the back.

CB: Andreas Christensen - Christensen was favoured in defensive midfield for much of last season but will be required to drop into the back four given Flick's limited choices.

LB: Alejandro Balde - Having missed a chunk of last season through injury, the young Spaniard is now fit and firing once more. He's been able to build up some match sharpness in pre-season having not played competitively since January.

DM: Ilkay Gundogan - A lack of options in the engine room mean Gundogan is even more significant this weekend. He will be key in building bridges between attack and defence.

DM: Marc Casado - Casado has been an extremely impressive performer in pre-season following a handful of senior appearances last year. With Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez all absent, the 20-year-old may earn his first La Liga start.

RW: Lamine Yamal - Barca have missed the 17-year-old sensation during pre-season after he was handed an extended break following his Euro 2024 heroics. What an enormous campaign this could be for the teenage wonderkid.

AM: Pablo Torre - Following a loan spell with Girona last term, Torre is now back at Barca. The young attacking midfielder has caught the eye during pre-season and will likely feature just behind Robert Lewandowski given the potential absence of Olmo.

LW: Raphinha - Somehow, in spite of speculation every transfer window, Raphinha still plays for Barca. The Brazilian actually finished last season in confident mood and will be aiming to impress Flick early doors - especially given Nico Williams could yet arrive.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - The veteran in what could be an incredibly inexperienced side in Valencia, Lewandowski scored a hat-trick in Barca's most recent meeting with Saturday's opposition. You fancy him to open his 2024/25 account this weekend.

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