By Graham Ruthven
Barcelona want a response
Whereas the Catalans are in command of this season’s title race, latest dropped factors to Actual Sociedad and Celta Vigo have allowed Actual Madrid to shut the hole on the high of the desk. Something lower than a Barca victory on Saturday would hand the initiative to Los Blancos.
Las Palmas are preventing relegation close to the foot of the desk, however have already taken factors from Actual Madrid this season and will pose a menace at Montjuic if they will exploit the house in behind Barcelona’s backline.
Nevertheless, Los Amarillos haven’t crushed Barcelona in a league match away from house since 1971 and in any competitors since 1991. A victory at Montjuic this weekend can be historic!
Key gamers
Whereas Barcelona’s type has not too long ago tapered off, they’ve nonetheless scored six targets of their final three outings with the Catalans recent from notching three in opposition to Brest within the Champions League.
Robert Lewandowski has been notably prolific in entrance of aim, scoring eight occasions in his final 10 appearances at membership stage. The Polish striker has been rejuvenated this season and is heading in the right direction for his greatest scoring marketing campaign as a Barca participant.
The dramatic turnaround in Raphinha’s fortunes continues with the Brazilian presently the joint-second high scorer in LaLiga behind solely Lewandowski. Flick’s direct strategy is getting the most effective out of the previous Leeds United winger.
Pedri is predicted to be Barcelona’s string-puller within the centre of the pitch in opposition to Las Palmas with Dani Olmo in competition for a begin after getting back from harm. Barca are spoiled for alternative within the attacking positions.
Fabio Silva has scored three targets in his final 5 LaLiga appearances and the on-loan Wolves ahead may additionally hassle Barcelona. Sandro Ramírez is in line to face his former membership, as is goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen who should be in high type.
Staff information
Lamine Yamal stays an harm doubt having not featured for Barcelona for the reason that Champions League win over Purple Star Belgrade earlier this month. The 17-year-old returned to coaching this week, however Hansi Flick may resist the urge to drop him straight again into the lineup.
Marc Casado can be unavailable for the La Liga leaders after being despatched off within the 2-2 draw in opposition to Celta Vigo. The younger midfielder will serve a one-match suspension this weekend, that means Flick should discover one other answer on the base of his midfield.
Ronald Araújo, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati and Marc-André ter Stegen may even be sidelined, though Ferran Torres might be again in Barca’s squad.
Diego Martínez is predicted to have a completely match squad to select from for the go to to Montjuic with Adnan Januzaj the one Las Palmas participant believed to be presently carrying a knock.
Prediction
We are able to’t look past a house win for the league leaders, so let’s go together with Barcelona 3-1 Las Palmas.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You’ll be able to comply with each recreation from LaLiga with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, and participant rankings. Obtain the free app right here.