Barcelona will be intent on ending their three-game winless streak in La Liga when they lock horns with RCD Mallorca at Son Moix.
Following defeats to Real Sociedad and Las Palmas on either side of a 2-2 draw vs Celta Vigo, Barça have seen their lead at the top of the table evaporate and are aware that they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
Mallorca, under Jagoba Arrasate, are a daunting challenge, especially on their home turf and Hansi Flick & co. will be up against it tonight.
However, the Blaugrana will be boosted by the return of Marc Casado while Flick has also confirmed that the likes of Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal are ready to start which will give them a greater edge going forward.
The likes of Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal remain unavailable through injuries.
Despite the packed schedule, rotation is unlikely given the current situation and here’s how Barcelona can line up against Mallorca tonight.
Defence
Inaki Pena has generated some doubts of late but Hansi Flick confirmed that he does not have any plans to replace him with Wojciech Szczesny in the Barcelona goal.
Alejandro Balde has recovered fully after suffering a blow to his trachea against Las Palmas, which led to him being stretchered off. He will start in his usual left-back slot while Jules Kounde will continue on the right side of the defence.
The centre-back pairing of Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi will remain intact, although they must tighten things up after some missteps in recent matches.
Midfield
Olmo, Casado set to start. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Marc Casado is back after serving his one-match suspension and should walk right back into the starting XI, pairing up with Pedri in the Barcelona midfield double pivot.
The 21-year-old’s return will provide more balance on the pitch for the Blaugrana, something that they were lacking against Las Palmas. Gavi will be dropping to the bench while Frenkie de Jong must once again settle for a spot among the substitutes.
Meanwhile, Dani Olmo ought to slot in as the No. 10 for the league leaders, with Pablo Torre making the way for the former RB Leipzig man.
The marquee summer signing has been a major contributor with his goals and overall link-up play, and his return to the lineup will come as a much-needed boost.
Forwards
Up top, Robert Lewandowski is set to continue the streak of being the only Barcelona player to have started each of the games in all competitions this season by appearing in his 21st consecutive match.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is expected to return to the starting lineup after returning from injury over the weekend and featuring for 45 minutes in the game against Las Palmas.
The Golden Boy winner’s return to the right wing means Raphinha will move to the left side of the attacking trident for the Catalan heavyweights.
The likes of Ferran Torres, Gavi, De Jong, Torre, and Pau Victor could get some minutes off the bench.