Predicted Teams Barca-Athletic Club: Flick to make change from Valencia victory

Barcelona are aiming to make it two wins from two in La Liga this season. Hansi Flick won his opening match in charge at the Mestalla last weekend, and back-to-back victories could come at the Estadi Olimpic on Saturday evening when the Catalans play host to Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club side.

As thing stand, Dani Olmo is still yet to be registered with La Liga. It means that 26-year-old would not be able to play, but there is still time for it to be done before kick-off. Regardless, it’d be a surprise if he were to start.

According to Sport, Flick will make only one change from last weekend. Ferran Torres would drop to the bench to be replaced by Pedri – this move would see Raphinha move to the left wing, a position he made his own during the 2023-24 season.

The big news for Athletic is that Julen Agirrezabala has recovered from a back injury, and he will be fit enough to start. Euro 2024 winners Dani Vivian and Nico Williams did not start the La Liga opener against Getafe, but they will return to the line-up.

It should be a very strong battle between these two teams. Things are not great for Barcelona off the pitch, but if they can get two wins from two, optimism would build. However, Athletic Club won’t make it easy.