Fermin Lopez in, €80m midfielder out – Predicted Barcelona starting XI to face UD Las Palmas | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on UD Las Palmas away from home in their upcoming La Liga clash. The Catalan giants may be back at the top of the league table, but they need to defend their position as well. Fortunately for Hansi Flick, his Barcelona team has enough quality to make that happen.

However, Las Palmas have managed to hurt Barça this season in their previous encounter. With La Blaugrana losing that fixture, this is now a great opportunity for Barcelona to bounce back and showcase that they have indeed stepped up in this crucial second half of the season.

Here is how Hansi Flick’s team could line up for the game.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish goalkeeper continues to help Barcelona remain undefeated this year, and it seems like Hansi Flick’s faith in his abilities continues to be justified.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

Penalized last time out against Rayo Vallecano, Jules Kounde should be ready to start this game against Las Palmas. While Hector Fort did put on a solid display, it was clear to see that the Frenchman definitely improves the team significantly.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young Spanish centre-back, who now has a renewed contract, will be looking to hold down that high-line to the best of his abilities while using his vision to carve out passes from in between opposition lines. With him in the team, Barcelona have an elite ball-playing centre-back at the back.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

In terms of experience, there are few better veterans at Barcelona. However, despite his age, Inigo Martinez has continuously showcased this season that he is truly capable of delivering big performances against the very best of opponents.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

The Spanish fullback remains one of the team’s most lethal weapons on the left flank, and his speed is always a threat for the opposition. This game could be an opportunity for him to showcase that threat.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

So far this year, Frenkie de Jong has showcased an improved version of himself and his consistency has been key for Barcelona as well. Moreover, he seems to have taken over from Marc Casado as Hansi Flick’s primary choice to partner alongside Pedri.

CDM: Pedri

The Spanish midfielder remains the focal point of this team and he is the reason why Flick’s side is performing so well this year. With Pedri, Barcelona are always a better team and he has the ability to conjure magic on the pitch out of nothing.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The young Barcelona winger seems to be experimenting with his play-style these days, and it does not always come off. However, with the talent he possesses, he can never be ruled out when it comes to changing games single-handedly.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

With his suspension now behind him and plenty of rest, Fermin Lopez could get back into the Barcelona starting eleven. His tenacity and dynamism give an entirely different edge to the team, and Hansi Flick’s team could really use it.

While Gavi also provides similar attributes, this position simply comes more naturally to Lopez. However, the €80 million-rated Spanish midfielder could look to come into the game later even if Fermin Lopez ends up starting.

LAM: Raphinha

The Brazilian forward has been enjoying the form of his life this season, and he will want to continue it. In this game, he will want to make an impact through his goals and creativity as much as possible.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

While the Polish ace does have moments where he could do better, he is still the La Liga top goalscorer for a reason. However, he will need to be clinical in order to make sure that Las Palmas suffer in this match.