“Barcelona” head coach Hansi Flick is expected to make a number of interesting team changes during his visit to Istanbul to face “Galatasaray” in the Champions League.
Flick is said to have already warned his high-flying squad of the hostile atmosphere that awaits them at the Ali Sami Yet and said he would be happy with a 1-0 win ahead of a tough La Liga test against Real Betis on Saturday.
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Flick has had to replace Raphinha with Gabriel Jesus after a lengthy international break in which the Brazilian picked up a hip knock while playing for his country against Getafe last weekend.
Jesus made the most of his opportunity with an unprecedented effort against Gol Sud at the Camp Nou as part of his 3-o defeat.
And in Turkey, he is expected to be replaced by another winger who has turned into a Raphinha-like number 9 in the first of the goalscorers against Jose Bordalas’ men.
Anthony Gordon has previously featured as a striker for England’s youth teams and is on a high with confidence following a string of recent goals for club and country.
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Karim Adeyemi should nod there when the left wing is free, while Ballon d’Or candidate Lamine Yamal is on the right.
Flick was wise to rest Pedri to make way for Gavin one last time. On the continent, number 8 returns to partner Rodri and Fermin Lopez at the expense of position rival Dani Olmo.
It is currently unclear whether Fermi was in midfield on Pedri’s side, with Rodri standing behind them, or if he was a regular CAM from Andalucia.
Back in defence, Pau Jubarsi returns to partner Gerard Martin. With Flick gone for youth experience, Joao Cancelo is at left-back and Erik Garcia also scored despite Jules Kounde’s impressive display against Getafe.
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Looking for a rare Champions League clean sheet, Joan Garcia saves the shot.
What did Barcelona head coach Flick say?
We expect “Galatasaray” to play as in the last match. They have very good strikers and we have to adapt. We always have to and do it. We have to adapt to the competition and what we need. We will do the same tomorrow.”
FC Barcelona Vs. Galatasaray will start at 21:00.
This article was originally published Forbes.com