Hansi Flick has shown his hand for Barcelona's league opener. ONE reports that Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermín López have all been named in the starting lineup for Sunday's trip to Elche, with kickoff set for 22:30 Israel time at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.
The fixture is officially round two of La Liga, but it is Barcelona's first appearance of the season after their original matchday-one game was postponed. Flick's champions are still chasing their first competitive points of the campaign.
According to ONE, the confirmed XI reads: Joan García in goal, behind a back four of Xavi Espart, Eric García, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martín. Marc Bernal and Gavi start in midfield, with Yamal, Fermín López and Raphinha supporting summer signing Karim Adeyemi up front.
Adeyemi's involvement is notable in itself. The German winger arrived at Camp Nou this summer from Borussia Dortmund, and Sunday's trip to Elche looks set to give him his first competitive start in Blaugrana colours.
Barcelona arrive on the back of a strong pre-season, according to ONE, having won the Joan Gamper Trophy and followed it up with two further warm-up victories heading into the league campaign.
History favours the visitors here too: Barcelona beat Elche 3-1 in both meetings between the sides last season, home and away.
Elche, for their part, are still searching for a first win of the new campaign. They opened with a 1-1 draw away at newly promoted Deportivo La Coruña and will hope to spring a surprise on a Barcelona side missing several first-team regulars, including Pedri, Dani Olmo and the injured Alejandro Balde.
