Now that the La Liga title is in the bag, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona can rotate his players against Athletic Club in the last game of the season.
It gives him a chance to reward some young players, manage the fitness levels of the first team players, and keep some rhythm.
Although they are “under no pressure,” they still want to finish the season well, having taken a remarkable 42 points from 18 away games and scoring 99 goals so far this season.
For the champions, there is no question that the target is 100 goals.
As for the team, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is likely to start in goal, especially as Wojciech Szczesny is still awaiting a contract renewal.
The back four may see some changes to the locations of players; Hector Fort is likely at right-back, a centre-back pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen, though Inigo Martinez may be given the nod.
Alejandro Balde is on track to play as he regains fitness after injury.
Midfield offers Flick the chance to throw in some new faces.
Marc Casado may start after recovery, and with Pedri being Pedri, it’s hard not to include him in the starting line-up.
And Fermin Lopez, after some impressive substitute displays, may be given a more prominent role.
Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo would likely be rested to ensure that their fitness level is up for the next match.
In attack, injuries to Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati’s potential transfer to Monaco clears a path for Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.
Yamal, likely playing in his last match as a cadet, will look to finish off a breakout season, while Lewandowski is looking to get his 100th career goal for Barcelona.
Raphinha, who just signed a new deal, will also want to shine on the right side of the pitch.
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