Preview: Hansi Flick takes Barcelona to Levante

Barcelona travel to Levante on Sunday as they look to continue their perfect start to the season in La Liga.

By Matt Smith

Hansi Flick‘s side sit top of the table with four wins from four, already with a three-point lead over third-place Real Madrid. Deportivo Alavés sit in between Madrid and Barcelona, having won three of their opening four matches.

Levante got off to a disappointing start, losing 3-0 to Espanyol, but they’ve been unbeaten in LaLiga since then. 

Facing Barcelona has been a real difficulty for Levante over the last few years, as they have failed to win any of their last seven meetings. 

Set-pieces could decide the game

Set pieces have been the story of Levante’s season in LaLiga so far. Of the 10 goals scored during their games, four have come from set pieces. But scoring goals generally has been a major issue for Levante, failing to find the back of the net in three of their four league games. 

Levante have scored twice and conceded twice from set pieces so far this season, while they’ve also conceded a penalty. Sitting deep and absorbing pressure while looking to hit Barcelona on the counter-attack could be the method to victory for Levante. Nicking an opportunity from a set piece could be the only route to breaking down one of the best sides in Europe at the moment. 

Barcelona are unstoppable

It’s difficult to picture any side being capable of stopping Barcelona at the moment. Flick’s side have won four from four, but they’ve also scored 17 goals and conceded just two, averaging 4.3 goals scored per game. 

After lifting the title last season, Barcelona will undoubtedly cruise to victory if they can even keep up these performances for just 80% of the season. Their new-look attack is causing major issues for the opposition, and there’s no doubt Levante are going to be in for a difficult afternoon.

Raphinha thriving in new role

Raphinha has been tasked with playing as a central striker so far this season, and it’s safe to say he’s handled the change with ease. In fact, the Brazilian forward has taken his game to the next level this season, and that has also allowed Barcelona to give Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon regular minutes.

Raphinha’s season so far

The former Leeds winger has provided nine goals and assists in just five games this campaign, including a brace in the Champions League earlier this week. Many were questioning whether Barcelona would struggle without a centre-forward following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, but Raphinha looks like a natural in the position. 

Prediction

Barcelona have scored five goals in four of their last five matches, so it’s difficult to see any side beating them at the moment. We’re going for a 4-0 victory to Flick’s side, with Raphinha once again finding the back of the net. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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