Brace yourself: Barcelona is lining up for a clash with Levante, aiming to secure all three points to stay perched atop the league table.
Heading into the match, Barca have been boosted by the return of key players like Pedri and Marcus Rashford. Both have resumed training, though it isn’t certain they’ll start from the whistle.
Manager Hansi Flick is not expected to overhaul the XI dramatically against Levante, but a couple of rotations aren’t ruled out. One potential change, tied to his rotation strategy, could see Robert Lewandowski lead the line ahead of Ferran Torres.
According to SER (via FCB World), Lewandowski is tipped to start as the central striker against Levante. This would put the Pole in front of Ferran Torres as part of Flick’s approach to the number nine role, a position that has proved puzzling for Barcelona this season.
Ferran began the campaign with strong form, yet his goal rate has tapered as the season has progressed. In contrast, Lewandowski has shown improvement, though he isn’t yet returning to his peak last season. This season he has 13 goals in all competitions, with 10 in the league. It’s worth noting that he has only managed two goals in his last nine league appearances.
Ferran, meanwhile, has produced five goals in his last nine outings, including a hat-trick in the 5-3 victory over Real Betis. That means Lewandowski will be under pressure to deliver if he starts, especially with Ferran pushing hard for a starting berth.
All of this hinges on the final selection: will Lewandowski start ahead of the former Manchester City youth starlet, Ferran Torres, as part of Flick’s rotation policy for the number nine role? Or will Ferran retain his place and Lewandowski have to wait for his moment off the bench? The answer could shape Barcelona’s attacking dynamic in a pivotal league game.
