Barcelona will take on Las Palmas at the Estadio Gran Canaria
Ernesto Valverde is expected to field a second-string starting eleven against Las Palmas, especially considering that the most important league match of the season till date, against Atlético Madrid is just two days away.
The side is in good form, having thrashed Girona 6-1 at the Camp Nou. But some players are fatigued from that game, and the injury to Nélson Semedo hasn’t done the squad any favours. But still, even a Barça second-team should be good enough to beat Las Palmas.
Expected Starting XI (4-4-2) :-
Goalkeeper : Marc-André Ter Stegen
Right-back : Sergi Roberto
Centre-back(right) : Gerard Piqué(vice-captain)
Centre-back(left) : Thomas Vermaelen
Left-back : Lucas Digne
Wide midfielder(right) : Ousmane Dembélé
Central midfielder(right) : Paulinho
Central midfielder(left) : Sergio Busquets
Wide midfielder(left) : Phillippe Coutinho
Centre forward(left) : Paco Alcácer
Centre forward(right) : Lionel Messi(captain)
Sergi Roberto should come in to replace Nélson Semedo at right-back. The La Masia graduate has enough stamina to do his best against both Las Palmas and Atlético Madrid. In central defence, Thomas Vermaelen should replace Samuel Umtiti, giving him a rest ahead of Atlético clash.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
At left-back, Lucas Digne will have to replace Jordi Alba, who is out with a suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards. It comes at a convenient time, giving him time to rest and be at his best against Los Colchoneros.
In midfield, the tireless Sergio Busquets should retain his spot in the first-team, while Paulinho should come in for Ivan Rakitić, who has started the last five games. The Brazilian will not be as effective as Rakitić, but is good enough to start against Las Palmas.
On the right and the left, Ousmane Dembélé and Philippe Coutinho should retain their spots considering that Andrés Iniesta needs to be fully fit for the title decider against Atlético, and Dembélé is not backed by any player other than Aleix Vidal.
Up front, Luis Suárez should be replaced by Paco Alcácer. ‘El Pistolero’ is on the verge of being awarded a 1-game suspension, and that is not something that Barcelona can afford going into the all-important match against Los Rojiblancos.
Next: Barcelona interested in French youngster Yann Karamoh
And of course, there is no question of replacing Messi. Firstly, because he is tireless, and secondly, because he is irreplaceable.