Headline: Gavi Poised to Start for Barcelona Against Deportivo Alaves Amid Midfield Rotation Plans
Barcelona is likely to feature Gavi in the starting lineup against Deportivo Alaves as coach Hansi Flick looks to implement a new midfield strategy. The 22-year-old midfielder could partner with Pedri and Rodri in a combination that aims to provide depth ahead of a challenging series of matches leading up to the November international break.
As reported by SPORT, Gavi’s inclusion comes at a crucial time when the team must navigate a congested fixture schedule. Flick is expected to make several changes to the starting XI for the La Liga match, particularly with key players unavailable and pivotal games against Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid on the horizon.
Gavi’s opportunity for increased playing time arises particularly due to Dani Olmo’s injury, which limits available options in the midfield. Additionally, Fermin Lopez’s situation requires careful consideration under the demanding circumstances.
Barcelona confirmed that Olmo would likely be sidelined for approximately a month with an adductor injury, heightening the necessity for squad management. Despite having only logged 191 minutes of play this season, Gavi’s energetic style and competitive spirit could prove advantageous as Barcelona seeks to bounce back from recent losses to PSG and Real Madrid.
If selected alongside Pedri and Rodri, Gavi would form a midfield trio that Flick has yet to utilize in the current campaign. This would mark the seventh distinct midfield combination employed by the Barcelona manager this season. Previous midfield partnerships have often included Fermin and Olmo, while Gavi and Marc Bernal have seen limited starting roles.
Flick’s rotation strategy is significantly influenced by Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures, with a match against Aston Villa scheduled midweek, followed by a clash with Atletico Madrid on November 8. This tight timeline makes it crucial for Flick to manage player workloads efficiently. While Frenkie de Jong, Bernal, Fermin, and Brian Farinas remain available as alternatives, starting Gavi against Alaves would alleviate the pressure on other midfielders while allowing him to contribute effectively.
