Barcelona predicted lineup vs. RCD Espanyol: La Liga

Hansi Flick’s red-hot Barcelona are preparing to host RCD Espanyol in the first Catalan derby of the season.

Barcelona can open a nine-point gap at the top of La Liga after its dominant win against Real Madrid in last weekend’s El Clásico. Los Blancos are not playing this weekend due to the severe flooding that has tragically affected various areas of Spain over the past week.

After stunning performances against two of Europe’s top teams, the Blaugranas have a chance to hand their Catalan rivals an eighth defeat in La Liga that could see Los Periquitos drop to the relegation zone. Barcelona are unbeaten against Espanyol in their last 26 league meetings, an ominous precedent for Los Periquitos, who are currently 20 points behind the league leaders.

Given that on paper this seems like a much simpler game compared to the previous week’s opponents, Flick may be tempted to shuffle his starting XI and give players who recently returned from injury the chance to feature from start.

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GK: Iñaki Peña—Peña was sublime in keeping a clean sheet in El Clásico, looking like a goalkeeper worthy of Barcelona’s starting role with one of the best performances of his young career.

LB: Alejandro Baldé—Baldé continued his strong start to the season with a precise assist in El Clásico. His speed and technique make him a very dangerous player going forward.

CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsi plays with a maturity unusual for a 17-year-old.

CB: Iñigo Martínez—The leader of Barça’s defense is the perfect man to lead Flick’s high-line system, which saw Real Madrid players go offside over 10 times in El Clásico.

RB: Jules Koundé—The Frenchman neutralized Vinícius Júnior and Serge Gnabry in consecutive matches.

CM: Frenkie de Jong—The Dutchman had a good cameo in El Clásico and could get his first start for Barcelona since April’s visit to the Santiago Bernabéu.

CM: Gavi—It may still be too early, but a Gavi’s intensity and fearlessness is perfect for a derby like this. The former Kopa Trophy winner has appeared as a substitute in Barça’s last three matches.

LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian has 10 assists in Barça’s last five matches. He is in the form of his life and has been a key reason for Flick’s early success.

AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo’s impressive start to his Barcelona career was cut short by an injury that sidelined him for over a month. After a couple of positive cameos, the Catalan derby could see the Euro 2024 winner return to the XI.

RW: Lamine Yamal—In a week where he became the youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history and the youngest ever Kopa Trophy winner, Yamal could add the cherry on top with his first ever Catalan derby goal.

ST: Robert Lewandowski—The Polish forward has been feasting lately with 10 goals in Barça’s last five games.

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