Rodri makes first Barcelona start for Valencia meeting

Rodri will make his first start for Barcelona in Sunday evening’s La Liga match against Valencia, with head coach Hansi Flick naming the Spain midfielder in his starting XI for the first time since his summer move to the Catalan club.

The fourth-round fixture will see Barcelona visit Valencia, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15 Moscow time. The match will also feature Lamine Yamal in the starting line-up.

Barcelona will begin the game with Joan Garcia in goal, while Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Espart, Eric Garcia, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Martin, Gordon and Raphinha complete the team selected by Flick.

Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City during the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old had previously featured twice in La Liga for his new club, but on both occasions he was introduced from the substitutes’ bench.

His inclusion from the start represents a change in role for the midfielder as Barcelona prepare for their meeting with Valencia. Flick has now given Rodri the opportunity to begin the contest on the pitch, rather than use him as a second-half substitute.

The match is Barcelona’s fourth league fixture of the campaign and will take place on Sunday evening in Valencia. The Catalan side will rely on a line-up that combines established players, including Pedri and Raphinha, with younger members of the squad such as Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal.

Rodri’s arrival from Manchester City was one of the notable developments of Barcelona’s summer transfer window. Before Sunday’s game, his involvement had been limited to two appearances in Spain’s top flight, with both coming after the match had already begun.

Flick’s selection therefore places particular focus on the midfielder’s first start for Barcelona. It also gives supporters the chance to see how Rodri will be used from the opening whistle in a competitive La Liga fixture.

The starting whistle for Valencia against Barcelona is due at 17:15 Moscow time. Live text updates will be available throughout the match.