Rotations for Barca ahead of busy week in La Liga

FC Barcelona look to maintain their 100 per cent record at the start of the season when they play Girona in a Catalan derby in the Camp Nou Stadium on Sunday evening.

Last Tuesday's Champions League win at home to PSV Eindhoven means this is Barca's third game in a week and with a midweek trip to face Leganes before another home game against Athletic Club Bilbao on the horizon, coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to introduce squad rotations.

Barca may have won all of their games to date, but have at times looked vulnerable at the back and Valverde could be tempted to give minutes to Nelson Semedo and Clement Lenglet in defense with Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti rested, reports Xinhua news agency.

Lenglet is one of Barca's 4 summer signings, who have so far hardly seen any action so far this campaign as they adapt to life at their new club, however, Sunday could see Artur Vidal given a role in central midfield, while Arthur waits his opportunity on the bench.

The Brazilian winger Malcom has been struggling with an ankle problem is likely to get his chance on the coming days.

Girona travel to the Camp Nou after a morale boosting 3-2 win at home to Celta Vigo in an entertaining game on Monday and prior to that they claimed a 1-0 victory away to Villarreal as they get used to life under new coach (and former Barca player) Eusebio Sacristan.

--IANS

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