Possible rotations by Flick against Levante: several Champions starters point to the bench

FC Barcelona

The XI chosen this Wednesday to face Feyenoord offers plenty of clues. In Europe, Flick opts for Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Christensen, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Adeyemi and Raphinha, making several changes compared to the team that thrashed Valencia at Mestalla.

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Gerard Martín, Espart, Fermín and Gordon gain plenty of ground

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Among the big beneficiaries ahead of the match against Levante are Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart, Fermín López and Anthony Gordon. All four have had recent roles and rest at the start in the Champions League, so they start the week with plenty of options to return to the team on Sunday.

Especially notable is the case of Fermín López. The midfielder was one of the standout players in the rout against Valencia and his substitute role against Feyenoord seems to be driven mainly by a minutes-management plan. His case for a return to the XI at the Ciutat is therefore very strong.

Something similar happens with Anthony Gordon, who begins the European match from the bench. Having been given a rest in the Champions League clearly increases his chances of starting against Levante.

Bernal and Gavi alternatives to give rest to Pedri and Rodri

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The midfield is another area where changes could be made. Rodri and Pedri have built up a heavy minutes load, so Flick could use the match against Levante to manage their workload.

In that scenario, Marc Bernal and Gavi emerge as options to come into the middle, alongside a Fermín López who has plenty of chances to win back a starting spot.

It would not be surprising, then, if either Pedri or Rodri started the game from the bench. There could even be a possibility that both get a rest depending on the minutes they accumulate against Feyenoord and how they finish the match physically.

Eric García points to returning with a mask

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Another of the key updates could be Eric García. The defender cannot play against Feyenoord due to suspension, but he is already working despite the nasal fracture he suffered recently.

Eric is using a protective mask and, if his recovery continues to progress favorably, he would have important options to return against Levante. His mandatory rest in the Champions League also works in his favor for a direct return to the starting defense.

Cubarsí and Pedri among the main candidates for rest

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The players who could be most at risk of losing their spot, thinking purely in terms of physical management, are Pau Cubarsí, Rodri and Pedri. All three have been getting plenty of minutes and Flick has enough alternatives to freshen up both the defense and the midfield.

Up front, there seems to be a bit less room for rotation of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, two key players in the Blaugrana system. Even so, how the European match develops will be decisive in determining whether either of them also needs a reduction in minutes.

A starting XI with plenty of changes at the Ciutat

With the Champions League match still to be decided and the training sessions ahead of Sunday still to come, the feeling is that Flick could make between four and six changes again.

Gerard Martín, Espart, Fermín, Gordon and Eric García are currently among the names with the best chances of coming in, while Bernal and Gavi are also waiting for their opportunity in midfield.