Predicted Barcelona Line-up To Face Las Palmas In The La Liga
Barcelona will look to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table, when they clash against Las Palmas this Sunday, at the Camp Nou.
The Catalans have had a perfect start to their league campaign, winning all 6 of their games so far, accumulating 18 points, maintaining a 4-point gap over second-placed Atletico Madrid and a seven-point lead over bitter rivals Real Madrid who sit 6th in the table. A win against Las Palmas would see them pull further away from the chasing pack. They come into the game on the back of a far from convincing 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League and will want to shake off the rustiness on Sunday.
Team News
Midfielder Rafinha and summer signing Ousmane Dembele are the only two absentees for the Blaugrana.
Here’s how Barcelona will line up against Las Palmas this Sunday:
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-4-2
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
The German has conceded just twice this season in the La Liga, keeping 4 clean sheets in the process. Will be keen on maintaining his strong start.
Nelson Semedo (RB)
The Portuguese right-back has hit the ground running and looks like a fine addition for Barca. Set for his fourth start in the La Liga.
Gerard Pique (CB)
The 30-year old is likely to feature from the kick-off for Barcelona, against the Pio-pio. Will have to deal with the threat of Jonathan Calleri.
Javier Mascherano (CB)
A change could be expected as Valverde might look to afford some rest for Samuel Umtiti, who has been the most used defender for Barca. Javier Mascherano could find himself in the starting XI as a result.
Lucas Digne (LB)
Another change that might take place in the back-four for the Catalans is left-back Jordi Alba making way for the sparingly-used Lucas Digne.
Aleix Vidal (RM)
On the right-hand side of the midfield, there is a good amount of chance that Sergi Roberto might be given some rest, with Aleix Vidal expected to fill in.
Paulinho (CM)
The Brazilian did not start on Wednesday in the Champions League encounter, but is likely to return to the playing XI, meaning Ivan Rakitic might get benched.
Sergio Busquets (CM)
The Spanish anchorman should partner Paulinho in the middle of the park. He will sit deep and protect his defence, while his partner will be allowed the freedom to move forward.
Andres Iniesta (LM)
The club captain has been used on the left-hand side of the midfield four by the manager in recent games. Expect the same come Sunday.
Lionel Messi (ST)
The Argentine talisman has gone without a goal in the last two games in all competitions. Expect him to turn on the magic on Sunday.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The 30-year old has looked off the pace this season and has just managed to find the back of the net on two occasions only. Needs to start firing soon.