Hansi Flick tests a Barcelona starting XI with two key changes for Espanyol clash | OneFootball

There are one of two scenarios ahead of Barcelona’s clash against Espanyol tomorrow night.

First, the Catalans may already be proclaimed the champions of Spain if Real Madrid fall short against Mallorca later today. In case Los Blancos win, Barcelona will step out on the field gunning for the win that will make them champions.

With the team no longer in contention in the UEFA Champions League, tomorrow’s clash will mean everything to them and it is clear that they will have the singular goal of engraving their name on the silverware.

As relayed by SPORT, however, Flick is planning a few changes from the lineup that started against Real Madrid.

Some forced, some chosen

The Spanish outlet brings to light that the German tactician is looking to bring in some changes, some forced and others out of choice, as seen in his latest training session.

For starters, Marc-Andre ter Stegen played in place of Wojciech Szczesny in goal and he could start as he looks to regain his best version ahead of next season.

Set to start in the derby? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin are continuing as Flick’s full-backs in the training tests and are thus expected to hold on to their positions on the night. Needless to say, Martin playing despite Alejandro Balde’s return to fitness is indeed a surprise.

Given that Inigo Martinez is suspended for accumulating yellow cards, Andreas Christensen was seen training as Pau Cubarsi’s partner and will likely have a big chance to prove his worth in the potential title-winning game.

Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo will hold on to their places in midfield and no major changes are expected in the department.

The attacking trident is also largely expected to remain the same, which implies that Ferran Torres could well continue to start over Robert Lewandowski. Given the Spaniard’s phenomenal run of form in recent weeks, it is only deserved.

Notably, Cubarsi suffered a blow in the final session but carried on training. His situation is expected to be confirmed by Flick in his pre-match press conference.