Rodri and Cancelo in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Valencia

Rodri and Cancelo in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Valencia FC Barcelona will have an excellent opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the league table as they take on Valencia at the Mestalla this afternoon. The Catalans have started the season with three back to back victories in La Liga, but the team’s resistance will be tested as the schedule starts to heat up. Barcelona, after all, have a midweek UCL encounter against Feyenoord to worry about, which could pave the way for Hansi Flick to ring in the changes this weekend. Flick’s men did concede a few goals in their last game against Rayo Vallecano, so the German could be fancied to make a few defensive changes, in particular. Meanwhile, star player Lamine Yamal is a key doubt heading into this fixture, having picked up a knock and subsequently missed training yesterday. Ahead of kickoff later this afternoon, here is how the La Liga title holders could take the field in their much awaited contest against Valencia. Defence Cancelo could be set for a start vs Valencia. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) Defence is the area that could witness the most number of changes by Flick this weekend, as he looks to keep his troops fresh for the Feyenoord clash. While Joan Garcia continues to keep in goal, Flick might bring in Eric Garcia in the right-back position, at the expense of Jules Kounde. The German might also want to give an opportunity to Gerard Martin , even after Andreas Christensen’s impressive start to the new season. That means Martin may partner Pau Cubarsi in central defence. But there could one more change as well, with Joao Cancelo finally getting a start at left-back, ahead of Xavi Espart. Espart has been phenomenal so far, racking up assists while linking up on the far side. Cancelo, therefore, must impress if he is to be considered for a starting role in the coming matches. Midfield Despite the addition of Rodri in the summer, Hansi Flick has largely played it safe with the Spanish international by only using him as a substitute. Flick has so far opted for the double-pivot of Pedri and Marc Bernal. But this time around, Rodri could finally receive his first official start for Barcelona. The Spaniard could appear alongside his compatriot Pedri , with Bernal serving as backup. Barcelona are still without Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to come back sometime in October . The Rodri-Pedri midfield could be starting for Barcelona vs Valencia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Barcelona’s fluid 4-3-3, which turns into a 4-2-3-1, has space for one more midfielder and that is likely going to be Fermin Lopez , considering that Dani Olmo had already started in the last game. Attack Moving forward, there is much doubt surrounding the participation of Lamine Yamal, who might not end up starting the game this afternoon. If Yamal misses out on a starting place, the onus will likely fall on Karim Adeyemi to offer the pace and the flair on the far side. The combination of two new signings, Anthony Gordon and Adeyemi, will look to provide support for main frontman, Raphinha , who has been scoring goals for fun so far this season. Barcelona, meanwhile, have another option this afternoon in the form of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian has been named in the squad and he could make his Barcelona debut as a substitute later in the game.