FC Barcelona face off against Sevilla on Saturday afternoon in La Liga, hoping to return to winning ways after their midweek draw against Newcastle United.
But with the UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 tie hanging in the balance, Hansi Flick is likely to make some notable rotations to the starting XI with an eye on the second leg against the Magpies next week.
Xavi Espart in line for his first start?
As such, SPORT reports that teenage prospect Xavi Espart is likely to start at right-back for Barcelona against Sevilla this weekend.
The 18-year-old La Masia graduate made his first-team debut this week against Newcastle United, coming on as a substitute for the last few minutes at St James’ Park.
In the short time that he was on the field, Espart managed to give a positive account of himself in a high-pressure clash.
Barcelona are still without Jules Kounde, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. And with Eric Garcia also missing the Newcastle clash because of an overload, Flick is unlikely to take many risks with him ahead of the second leg.
Joao Cancelo, too, will need his minutes managed, making the case for Espart to feature from the start against Sevilla on Saturday.
A full-back with good attacking instincts, the youngster has scored two goals with the Juvenil A team in the UEFA Youth League this season, while scoring and assisting one goal apiece with Barça Atletic.
Flick, throughout his stint at Barcelona, has shown that he is not afraid of thrusting deserving young talents under the spotlight, and it could be Espart’s time this weekend.
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