Las Palmas vs FC Barcelona: Title At Stake For Catalans With No Cushion To Slip
The league enters into its final stages and this match day is virtually going to announce the La Liga Champion. La Palmas is the crucial fixture for FC Barcelona which will decide the fate of Barca even though a lot depends on what happens in Spanish Capital.
FC Barcelona will travel to Las Palmas for their away trip to the Canary Islands on Sunday. Following the early exit from UCL, Barca has the league as a major title to win. But as the things stand, it will depend on how Real fare against Sevilla in Madrid. Las Palmas have nothing to lose and Barca have everything at stakes and that explains the game. FC Barcelona is at the top of the league thanks to the head to head record against Madrid. But Real have a game in hand so a draw or loss against Las Palmas will end the La Liga race. And that’s why with the balance of power so finely poised, neither side can afford a slip-up.
Talking about the away side, a team with the front 3 of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar is always dangerous and deadly to deal with. FC Barcelona is coming on the back of a win over Villarreal at Camp Nou with MSN on the score sheet. The team has gone through different formations this season and with several players missing, we might see some changes again. Catalans will be without Aleix Vidal and Rafinha both being ruled out for the entire season. The illness of Gerard Pique adds to that list as he didn’t train for a week. And the suspension of Sergi Roberto means Barca have to try something new in defense. As the things stand, FC Barcelona’s battle for League in their pursuit of another La Liga crown depends much on this very game.
With all the absent players, Lucho has to find quick answers in defense and Marlon Santos might start for FC Barcelona. Enrique will have to check his options and formations as the defense has always been a worry for Barca. Catalans have been piling goals one after another in last few games and they will go all the way in this very game also. With just 3 games remaining, Barca will opt for strong lineup even though the defense will be a big worry. Busquets and Rakitic will again have to anchor the midfield with Iniesta to keep Barca in league hunt. This game might prove a chance for Marlon as the young Brazilian can replace aging Masche in coming years. FC Barcelona is on fire at the moment in La Liga, winning five league matches on the bounce and they will love to repeat it.
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Speaking about the home side, they are 14th in the league and way clear of relegation so will have nothing to lose in this game. Las Palmas started the season with good wins and spirit but lacked the desire in the 2nd half to go on. With manager Quique Setien aware of the opponents it will be really tough game for the home side. Setien has already spoken about the threat of Messi in the press conference and he will try everything possible to stop him. They are already short with Vicente Gomez and Tana both will miss this game through injury. To add to that, Dani Castellano and Mateo Garcia are doubtful for the game which makes it worse.
With the current situation, if they take their chances against this strong Barcelona line up, they can cost the away side with the title. And Jese Rodríguez, a former RM player admitted that he would love to spoil the party for FC Barcelona. La Palmas has struggled on the latter stages of the season as they have lost four of their last five. They have been on losing side in last few games and need to pull themselves up for this game.
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To sum up, it will be a do or die game for a team who is eager to win the La Liga 3rd time on the trot. It will be a fierce contest as both teams have a clear idea about the standings in the league. Las Palmas will hope to complicate things for Barca at least with a draw and they have shown that intentions. It will be a game which might decide the champion or else will end hopes for FC Barcelona. Las Palmas will give tough fight at home. However, I believe Barca will collect all 3 points in their hunt for 3rd straight La Liga championship.