Flick set to rotate defense as Barcelona aim to extend Camp Nou fortress streak

Barcelona will look to kick-start their home La Liga campaign with a statement win when they welcome historic rivals Athletic Club to Camp Nou on Thursday, and head coach Hansi Flick is expected to freshen up his side after an encouraging opening victory at the weekend.

Defense: Cubarsí set for long-awaited debut

The reigning back-to-back champions ended last season with a historic perfect home record, and after coming from behind to beat Elche on Sunday, Flick will want to ride that second-half momentum. That means careful management in defense, with Andreas Christensen — who has only just returned and isn't expected to start two games in four days — likely to be rested for an important early-season piece of rotation.

That opens the door for Pau Cubarsí to make his season debut following his triumphant summer with Spain at the under-21 tournament. The teenager is expected to partner the trusted Gerard Martín at center-back, while Eric García looks to be preferred over Jules Kounde at right-back. On the left, young Xavi Espart should retain his place given the fitness concerns of both João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde.

Midfield: Rest for a battered Gavi

In midfield, Flick faces a decision on Gavi, who survived an injury scare at the weekend after picking up a bruise on his knee. It's thought to be prudent not to risk him at Camp Nou just yet, so the dynamic Pedri is expected to start alongside Marc Bernal and Fermín López.

All eyes will be on the bench for the long-awaited debut of new signing Rodri, who hasn't yet had more than a couple of training sessions with the squad. The midfielder is expected to come on in the second half to a warm ovation from the Camp Nou crowd as he begins his Catalan adventure.

Attack: Raphinha

The questions about Barcelona's center-forward position have quieted for now, at least until the transfer window closes. Raphinha's brilliant performance through the middle against Elche settled that debate for the moment, and he'll start in that role again.

Karim Adeyemi should keep his place on the left flank after an excellent competitive debut, while teenage sensation Lamine Yamal — still in preseason form and in need of minutes — is set to start on the right as he looks to bounce back from a sluggish, below-par display at the weekend.

Likely XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi (4-3-3).

The Athletic test promises to be a fascinating early examination of Flick's new-look Barcelona, with rotation ensuring freshness while new squad they attempt to extend their astonishing run in front of their own fans.