Barcelona confirm starting lineup for Elche season opener as Flick starts Xavi Espart at left-back

Barcelona have announced their starting lineup for their season opener against Elche CF this evening, with head coach Hansi Flick making several notable selection decisions. Flick has handed a start to youngster Xavi Espart at left-back, while new signing Joao Cancelo begins on the bench. Eric Garcia starts at right-back, with Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin in central defence. Marc Bernal anchors midfield alongside Gavi and Fermin Lopez, while Karim Adeyemi leads the attack as a false nine, supported by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The bench includes new signing Anthony Gordon, along with Cancelo, Pedri, and Jules Kounde as potential second-half options. Flick also has Hamza Abdelkarim available, a player generating significant buzz who could feature in the number nine role.