Barcelona look to build on a dominant victory in European action against Brest in midweek and return to winning ways in La Liga as the leaders welcome Las Palmas to the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium for an early kickoff on Saturday.
The Blaugrana played an excellent overall match in the Champions League after two subpar performances against Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo, and now the task is to play well in domestic action again to pick up all three points and maintain their advantage at the top of the table.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s clash.
Defense
FC Barcelona v Stade Brestois 29 - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Flick without a doubt knows the importance of a victory this weekend and wants to make sure of the points at home against a relegation candidate, so the coach is likely to pick a very strong side for this one.
We think there will be a couple of changes in the backline, however, with Jules Kounde possibly getting a rest as the Frenchman has looked a little tired in recent matches. That would give Héctor Fort a rare chance to start at right-back, and we think Alejandro Balde will make his return at left-back after a strong substitute performance in midweek. Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez will start at center-back once again, but Ronald Araujo is back in training and will soon be medically cleared to make his season debut.
Midfield
FC Barcelona v Stade Brestois 29 - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Marc Casadó is suspended for this one after his costly red card against Celta, and the two candidates to start as Pedri’s partner in the double pivot are Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. The Dutchman seems to be struggling to be back to full fitness at this point, so we think Gavi will get the start in this one to replicate Casadó’s intensity in the middle.
Dani Olmo played very well against Brest and scored a gorgeous goal, and the Spanish international will start once again as the number 10 to complete the midfield trio.
Attack
FC Barcelona v Stade Brestois 29 - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Barça get a double injury boost for this one as both Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres will likely get the medical green light to return to the squad, though neither are expected to start and are likely to come on in the second half.
It wouldn’t be the biggest of shocks to see Yamal starting if he’s completely pain free when it comes to his ankle, though, but we still think Flick will be cautious with his teenage superstar and choose to start Fermín López up front once again, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski retaining their usual spots in the frontline.
Possible XI: Peña; Fort, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Balde; Gavi, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Fermín; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
How do you think Barcelona should line up against Las Palmas? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!