Possible FC Barcelona line-up for LaLiga clash against Las Palmas

Xavi Hernandez has been making the same claim for weeks now, insisting that LaLiga is not lost and his Barcelona side will fight until the end to retain their 22-23 title. As things stand, Real Madrid remain in the driving seat with an eight point lead at the top of the table and this weekend FC Barcelona face UD Las Palmas at the Lluís Companys while Ancelotti’s men face Athletic this Sunday at the Bernabeu.

The test against the Canaries will not be stroll in the park with Las Palmas head coach García Pimienta a former Barça youth coach who has forged a side that are hard to beat and who play an attractive brand of football with possession key to their style of play. The game on the island last January saw the Catalan side needing a last gasp winner from Gündogan for Xavi’s men to claim all three points.

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Xavi Hernández will be careful in selecting his side for Saturday’s game, conscious that his side have no game next weekend due to the Copa del Rey final and also keeping an eye on the Champions League match against PSG. Many of his players were involved in the international break and Lewandowski may need a rest after playing two intensive Euro 2024 qualifiers for Poland. Christensen will be out for sure and Araújo, who despite training normally, was released early from the Uruguay camp due to overload.

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In goal, despite a brief injury scare on Friday Ter Stegen will play with a defensive line-up of Koundé, Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez with Cancelo on the left. In the midfield, Sergi Roberto, Gündogan and Fermín seem set to start after the trio impressed in the last league game against Atlético. Lamine Yamal would start on the right, and if Xavi rests Lewandowski, the number nine position would go to Vitor Roque. João Félix or Ferran Torres will be the other attacking alternative options for the coach from Terrassa.