By Graham Ruthven
On the street
There’s no place like residence, not that Barcelona will get to expertise any residence comforts for some time. The Spanish champions will begin the defence of their LaLiga title with a run of three away video games beginning with Saturday’s journey to Mallorca.
Barca received’t return to the renovated Camp Nou till September, that means Hansi Flick’s aspect face a difficult begin to the 2025/26 marketing campaign, not least as a result of Mallorca might be awkward opponents.
The Balearic islanders completed a good tenth within the desk final season, simply 4 factors off European qualification. Mallorca, nevertheless, have struggled towards Barcelona in latest occasions. Certainly, they haven’t overwhelmed the Catalans since 2009.
At their greatest, Barca are a power of nature. Their assault is arguably the strongest in European soccer proper now, scoring 102 targets in 38 league video games final time period.
Nonetheless, Flick’s insistence on an exceptionally excessive line of defense means opponents often have alternatives of their very own towards the Catalans. That is the place Mallorca will fancy their probabilities in entrance of their very own followers.
Key gamers
Vedat Muriqi is usually a handful on his day. The Kosovan striker will lead the road for Mallorca this weekend and will problem Barcelona’s backline via his physicality and aerial risk.
Sergi Darder and Takuma Asano are anticipated to characteristic within the remaining third with Pablo Torre additionally in line to make his league debut for Mallorca towards his former aspect. Manu Morlanes and Omar Mascarell can be up towards it in central midfield.
Lamine Yamal may properly be the very best participant on the earth on the age of 18. {The teenager} is a phenomenon and is Barcelona’s most constant attacking and artistic risk within the remaining third.
Marcus Rashford may make his debut in LaLiga after a optimistic pre-season and the decision of his registration subject. The on-loan Manchester United winger is trying to revive his profession at Barcelona and might be in line for a begin on Saturday.
Raphinha’s driving runs and sharp taking pictures made him top-of-the-line attackers in Europe final season and the Brazilian will as soon as once more be a hazard in each open area and tight areas.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong may begin as a double pivot with Fermín López barely forward of the pair whereas goalkeeper Joan García can be anticipated to make his aggressive bow for Barcelona after becoming a member of from Espanyol in the summertime.
Crew information
Samú Costa is Mallorca’s solely damage concern forward of the season opener towards Barcelona. The Portuguese midfielder may nonetheless make the squad and can face a late health take a look at.
Marc-André Ter Stegen is sidelined with a long-term damage whereas Robert Lewandowski is a doubt. Ferran Torres may subsequently begin as Barca’s first-choice centre ahead on Saturday.
Iñigo Martínez’s shock transfer to Al-Nassr has opened up a beginning spot in Barcelona’s backline one thing we mentioned – right here – through the week. Flick has favoured Ronald Araújo alongside Pau Cubarsí, however not having a left-footer in defence may have an effect on the Catalans’ stability.
Prediction
Whereas a clear sheet can by no means be assured with Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, you may all the time anticipate to see the Catalans create and, almost definitely, take their probabilities. We are able to see Barca taking three factors again to the mainland: Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You possibly can observe each sport from LaLiga with FotMob this season – that includes deep stats protection, xG, and participant rankings. Obtain the free app right here.