FC Barcelona are all set to play their first game of 2026 in a little over an hour as they take on neighbours RCD Espanyol in a highly anticipated Catalan derby.
With both teams heading into the game on the back of a good run of form, an enticing match-up is expected at the RCDE Stadium.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has now announced the starting lineup that will be taking the field against Manolo Gonzalezβs Espanyol outfit.
Joan Garcia, starting in goal as usual, will be the man in the spotlight as he returns to his former home for the first time since joining Barcelona in the summer.
In a surprising move, Pedri has been left on the bench despite recovering full fitness and training over the past week. Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia once again feature as the starting midfielders.
Ferran Torres once again starts ahead of Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 position. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha complete the attacking unit, with one of the latter two expected to operate in a central role behind the striker.
Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Alejandro Balde form the backline for the reigning La Liga champions.
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β FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 3, 2026