Predicted Barcelona Lineup To Face Las Palmas
Barcelona will hope to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table, at least temporarily, when they take on Las Palmas at the Gran Canaria on Sunday.
The Catalans are level on points with Real Madrid but are seated at the top, thanks to a better head-to-head record. But the fact that Madrid still have a game in hand means Luis Enrique’s men cannot afford to let slip in their final 2 league games. The last time the two sides met, Barcelona thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 and Enrique will be hoping for a similar performance from his team on Sunday.
Team News
Barcelona will be without utility man Sergi Roberto who will serve a one-match suspension, while left-back Lucas Digne is unlikely to feature again this season due to a hamstring injury. Rafinha Alcantara and Aleix Vidal have been ruled out for the season.
Probable Barcelona Starting XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Luis Enrique
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (GK)
The German shot-stopper has had a much better season this time around after a poor debut campaign. He would like to finish it strongly in the last 2 games.
Javier Mascherano (RB)
The Argentine international has had to slot in at right-back on a couple of occasions this season and with Roberto out due to suspension, expect him to start there on Sunday.
Gerard Pique (CB)
The controversial centre-half has been a consistent performer over the course of the season and will look to carry on in the same vein.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
Probably the best defender for Barcelona this season, the Frenchman has impressed heavily in his debut campaign in Spain. Will partner Pique at the heart of the defence.
Jordi Alba (LB)
Was benched for the previous game in favour of Lucas Digne, but with the Frenchman out, Alba will start on the left-hand side of the defence.
Sergio Busquets (DM)
The midfield anchorman will sit as the deepest player in the middle of the park and recycle the possession for Barcelona.
Ivan Rakitic (RCM)
The Croatian has been inconsistent over the past few weeks but has the quality to make the difference in what is a crucial period for his team.
Andre Gomes (LCM)
A change is expected in midfield, with Andres Iniesta dropping to the bench. He will be replaced by Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes.
Lionel Messi (RW)
The top-scorer in the La Liga with 35 goals this season, Messi will be the biggest threat in the attacking third to the Las Palmas backline.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The second highest goalscorer in the Spanish top division with 26 goals, Luis Suarez will be licking his lips to take on the fourth-worst defence in the Liga.
Neymar (LW)
The Brazilian international has been in terrific form since his return from suspension. He will prove to be tough to tie down on Sunday.