Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has instituted a sweeping tactical overhaul for his side’s La Liga home fixture against Deportivo Alaves on Saturday evening, responding directly to a difficult run of form.
The Catalan club enters the Round 11 match aiming to rebound in domestic competition after suffering a 2-1 defeat to traditional rivals Real Madrid in their previous league outing. According to reports from the publication Sport, the latest starting XI reflects a major shakeup following recent losses to both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Among the most notable adjustments is the inclusion of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the starting lineup for the first time this season. It marks de Jong’s first start since February 22. In an experimental defensive setup necessitated by recent squad challenges, Flick deployed de Jong as a center-back alongside Pau Cubarsi—a positional role the player previously handled during Ronald Koeman’s tenure and during his earlier days at Ajax.
Consequently, Barcelona’s emergency defensive line features Brian Farinas and Frenkie de Jong paired with Joao Cancelo and Pau Cubarsi. For Farinas, the fixture represents his competitive debut with Barcelona’s senior team, occupying the right-back position where Flick previously tested him during the summer preseason campaign.
Barcelona’s confirmed starting lineup features Joan Garcia in goal, supported by a backline of Pau Cubarsi, Frenkie de Jong, Brian Farinas, and Joao Cancelo. The midfield trio consists of Fermin Lopez, Pedri, and Rodri, while the attacking trident features Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi, and Raphinha.
Looking ahead in their demanding schedule, Barcelona is slated to face matches in the Copa del Rey against Anaitasuna on November 3, 2026, followed by a UEFA Champions League encounter against Aston Villa later that same day.
