Adeyemi, Cancelo start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona can line up against Racing Santander
· Yahoo Sports
FC Barcelona will be gunning to extend their winning start to the 2026/27 season when they take on Racing Santander tonight at the Spotify Camp Nou.
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The Blaugrana have been brilliant since the start of the new campaign, winning all six of their matches so far across all competitions.
The most recent victory came this past Sunday when they defeated Levante 4-2 away from home. While the performance was not immaculate, especially on the defensive side of things, the Catalans showcased their quality and ability to come out on top even on their off days.
With Real Madrid having won their fixture on Tuesday and closed the gap at the top, Barça will be intent on reclaiming their three-point lead with a win.
Even though Racing Santander have made a decent start to life in La Liga after their promotion, the reigning champions’ superlative form and exceptional home record under Hansi Flick means they go into tonight’s contest as overwhelming favourites.
Barcelona continue to be without the services of Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji due to injuries.
There may be some rotations tonight with an eye on the weekend clash against Sevilla. With that in mind, here’s how Flick could set his Barcelona team up to face Racing.
Defence
Even though Barcelona have looked suspect in defence at times, goalkeeper Joan Garcia cannot be held at blame for the goals they have conceded so far and the Spaniard will hope for better support from his defence as he hopes to keep a clean sheet tonight.
As for the defensive line, Flick could make a few tweaks, starting with right-back slot where Jules Kounde could get another opportunity to earn the manager’s trust after having fallen down the pecking order this season.
Joao Cancelo to start at left-back? (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
On the left side, summer signing Joao Cancelo could be in line for only his second start of the season, with Xavi Espart, who has started all of Barcelona’s La Liga games and even scored his first senior goal against Levante, likely to be rested.
Pau Cubarsi has been a permanent fixture at the heart of the Blaugrana defence and that is unlikely to change tonight, although he might have a new centre-back partner in Andreas Christensen, who will come in for Gerard Martin.
Midfield
The midfield department is where Flick has some important decisions to make with regard to rotations and minutes for his players.
Pedri looked somewhat fatigued in the previous game, but is expected to feature from the get-go once again, given his importance to the team.
Meanwhile, marquee summer signing Rodri will also hold on to his place in the lineup for Barcelona, providing control, experience, and leadership.
The third slot in the middle of the park could also see a change with Dani Olmo likely to come into the team at the expense of fellow attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez.
Dani Olmo to replace Fermin Lopez? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Gavi will hope to get some minutes off the bench after having lost prominence in the team in recent weeks.
Attack
Karim Adeyemi was once again on target for Barcelona this past weekend, scoring a fine goal against Levante. After goals in back-to-back games, the German will likely be rewarded with a start on the left flank, replacing Anthony Gordon.
Meanwhile, club captain Raphinha, who has been an excellent performer for Barça in the early parts of the season, ought to continue leading the line for the hosts against Racing Santander.
Finally, Lamine Yamal will complete the attacking trifecta for the defending champions, aiming to continue his red-hot run of form.
Gabriel Jesus will continue to feature off the bench as he builds up his fitness and match rhythm.