How Xavi could set Barcelona up against Espanyol in LaLiga

If Gavi has recovered from the knock suffered in the match against Osasuna, Xavi plans to play his best eleven in the derby with Espanyol this weekend.

At the time of writing, the main question mark is whether he will play with Ousmane Dembélé or Raphinha on the right as Barcelona look to edge closer to the league title. The Frenchman is Xavi’s preference normally, but he could reward the Brazilian with a place in the team following his recent performances.

It could therefore be the same Barça eleven that won 4-0 against Betis two matchdays ago.

Possible Barcelona XI vs Espanyol

Ter Stegen; Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Balde; Busquets, De Jong, Pedri, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski.

Espanyol will likely start with five defenders and look to play out from the back, finding Darder and Melamed to start transitions with Braithwaite and Joselu.

Last derby for Busquets

In attack, Lewandowski is playing for the Pichichi award with Benzema hot on his heels; and Busquets wants to end his last ever derby with a victory.

In defence, Araújo and Christensen will have a job on their hands with Joselu. Balde, down the Blaugrana left, will pose a threat for the home side.

Espanyol fighting to stay up

Espanyol are playing to stay in the top flight, while for Barça, it’s a chance to close in on their first LaLiga title under Xavi.

Barcelona on the verge of LaLiga title

A win for Barcelona against their cross-city rivals on Sunday will see them win the league.