Barcelona will kick off Saturday’s home match against Las Palmas with a four-point advantage at the top of La Liga, but that lead is more fragile than might be immediately apparent.
By Graham Ruthven
Barcelona need a response
While the Catalans are in control of this season’s title race, recent dropped points to Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo have allowed Real Madrid to close the gap at the top of the table. Anything less than a Barca victory on Saturday would hand the initiative to Los Blancos.
Las Palmas are fighting relegation near the foot of the table, but have already taken points from Real Madrid this season and could pose a threat at Montjuic if they can exploit the space in behind Barcelona’s backline.
However, Los Amarillos haven’t beaten Barcelona in a league match away from home since 1971 and in any competition since 1991. A victory at Montjuic this weekend would be historic!
Key players
While Barcelona’s form has recently tapered off, they have still scored six goals in their last three outings with the Catalans fresh from notching three against Brest in the Champions League.
Robert Lewandowski has been particularly prolific in front of goal, scoring eight times in his last 10 appearances at club level. The Polish striker has been rejuvenated this season and is on course for his best scoring campaign as a Barca player.
The dramatic turnaround in Raphinha’s fortunes continues with the Brazilian currently the joint-second top scorer in LaLiga behind only Lewandowski. Flick’s direct approach is getting the best out of the former Leeds United winger.
Pedri is expected to be Barcelona’s string-puller in the centre of the pitch against Las Palmas with Dani Olmo in contention for a start after returning from injury. Barca are spoiled for choice in the attacking positions.
Fabio Silva has scored three goals in his last five LaLiga appearances and the on-loan Wolves forward could also trouble Barcelona. Sandro Ramírez is in line to face his former club, as is goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen who will have to be in top form.
Team news
Lamine Yamal remains an injury doubt having not featured for Barcelona since the Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade earlier this month. The 17-year-old returned to training this week, but Hansi Flick could resist the urge to drop him straight back into the lineup.
Marc Casado will be unavailable for the La Liga leaders after being sent off in the 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo. The young midfielder will serve a one-match suspension this weekend, meaning Flick will have to find another solution at the base of his midfield.
Ronald Araújo, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati and Marc-André ter Stegen will also be sidelined, although Ferran Torres could be back in Barca’s squad.
Diego Martínez is expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from for the visit to Montjuic with Adnan Januzaj the only Las Palmas player believed to be currently carrying a knock.
Prediction
We can’t look beyond a home win for the league leaders, so let’s go with Barcelona 3-1 Las Palmas.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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