Barcelona team news vs Villarreal: Ter Stegen and Gavi set to start as Lewandowski, Fati and Fort could feature

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is set to make several key changes to the lineup for the upcoming clash against Villarreal, as the team looks to wrap up their successful La Liga campaign on a high note. Having secured the league title two games prior, Flick is likely to use the remaining fixtures to give playing time to some of the squad’s lesser-used players.

With the title already in the bag, tonight’s match at the Camp Nou and the final game at San Mames will serve as a platform for youngsters and those on the fringes of the starting eleven. Ansu Fati, Pablo Torre, Pau Victor, and Hector Fort are among those expected to receive more minutes, with Fort having stepped up notably following Jules Kounde’s injury.

Between the posts, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is tipped to continue after his recent outing against Valladolid, while Wojciech Szczesny is expected to be benched. Szczesny’s future remains uncertain as he weighs Barcelona’s renewal offer, but with rotation being a priority, the Polish goalkeeper could sit out despite his stellar performance against Espanyol.

Up front, Robert Lewandowski remains a focal point. The Polish striker, who has netted 25 goals this season, is still in the race for the Pichichi trophy, just three goals shy of Kylian Mbappe. Though eager to boost his tally, some concerns linger over his muscle tightness, and Flick may opt for caution, using him sparingly if at all.

In midfield, Gavi is expected to feature prominently, possibly stepping in for Pedri, who has accumulated significant playing time recently. There’s also a chance that Gavi could replace Frenkie de Jong, who might be rested after enduring a busy period.

Defensively, there’s uncertainty surrounding Ronald Araujo’s availability. The Uruguayan center-back missed training and was substituted against Espanyol after experiencing knee discomfort. While he did participate in the celebratory parade—famously stumbling during the festivities—his fitness remains a question mark, and Flick may not risk him.

Notably absent from training were Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, and Marc Bernal, who are still sidelined due to injuries. Flick’s cautious approach to squad management reflects the club’s broader goal of ending the season injury-free, especially with future competitions in mind.

Barcelona’s strategy against Villarreal will likely emphasize maintaining control and giving younger talents a platform to impress. While the starting lineup remains fluid, the focus is undoubtedly on balancing squad rotation with a competitive edge, ensuring the team continues to build momentum heading into the offseason.

As for Villarreal, they come into the fixture eager to challenge Barcelona’s dominance, having shown resilience in their recent games. Facing a title-winning side can serve as motivation, and the Yellow Submarine will undoubtedly be looking to exploit any defensive frailties presented by Flick’s rotated squad.

All eyes will be on Flick’s selections as Barcelona fans eagerly await seeing a blend of established stars and emerging talents, with the Camp Nou crowd hoping for a display that showcases the club’s depth and promising future.