FC Barcelona is looking to continue their winning streak. Undefeated in their last ten matches across all competitions, Xavi’s team is facing Las Palmas in the 30th round at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium to solidify their second place position. With just about ten days until their first leg match against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, Barça has the chance to temporarily widen the gap to four points ahead of Girona, who are in third place, and close in to within six points of Real Madrid, the current Spanish league leaders. On the other hand, Las Palmas sits comfortably in mid-table (12th place) with no significant stakes, although their safety in the league is not yet guaranteed mathematically.
For this match, Xavi, who is suspended and will be watching from the stands, will be without Baldé, Christensen, Gavi, Pedri, and De Jong, and will stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation. Inigo Martinez gets the nod over Araujo to partner with Cubarsi in central defense, while Koundé starts as the right-back. Gündogan will be joined by Fermin and Sergi Roberto in midfield, with Raphinha and Yamal supporting Lewandowski as the lone striker upfront. On the other side, Garcia Pimienta, missing Araujo, opts for a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Frenchman Enzo Loiodice in midfield, and with Masia graduates Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez starting on the left wing and upfront, respectively.
Official Lineups:
FC Barcelona: ter Stegen – Koundé, Cubarsi, I.Martinez, Cancelo – S.Roberto, Gündogan, Fermin – Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Las Palmas: Valles – Alex Suarez, Coco, Marmol, Cardona – Marvin, Javier Munoz, Loiodice, Rodriguez, Munir El Haddadi – Ramirez
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