Araujo, Fermin start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Las Palmas | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have an excellent chance to open up a lead at the top of the La Liga table when they take on UD Las Palmas later tonight.

The Blaugrana reclaimed the top spot in the standings on Monday when they beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0, although they are ahead of Real Madrid only by goal difference.

But with the reigning champions not scheduled to play until Sunday afternoon, today’s game at Gran Canaria gives the Blaugrana a great opportunity to create some gap and put pressure on their bitter rivals.

Even though Las Palmas are not doing well currently, it must not be forgotten that they beat Barça in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

At the same time, Hansi Flick will have one eye on next week’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg against Atletico Madrid, which could lead to some rotations tonight.

With that in mind, here’s how Barcelona could set up against Diego Martinez’s side, aiming to return with all three points from the Canary Islands.

Defence

Wojciech Szczesny has firmly established himself as the preferred option in goal for Barcelona ahead of Inaki Pena in Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s absence.

The veteran Pole is starting to show why Flick trusted him with the starting spot and as such will continue between the sticks.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde is expected to return to the lineup at right-back after being benched against Rayo Vallecano as a punishment for showing up late to a team meeting. Alejandro Balde ought to continue on the left side of the defence.

Ronald Araujo to start ahead of Pau Cubarsi. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

There is likely to be a change in central defence, with Pau Cubarsi likely to be given a rest by the manager. In that case, Ronald Araujo should pair up with Inigo Martinez at the heart of the Blaugrana backline.

Midfield

Pedri is in imperious form currently and his place in the team is guaranteed given that his continuity has been a key factor in him not dealing with any physical problems this season.

However, there could be a change of partners for the Spanish international in the midfield pivot against Las Palmas.

Frenkie de Jong has started the past few games and made a big impression, but tonight’s match provides Flick with the perfect opportunity to hand some minutes to Marc Casado, who has fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks.

There is likely to be rest for midfield sensation Gavi as well, with Fermin Lopez, back from serving a one-match suspension, expected to start as the No. 10, ahead of Dani Olmo, who continues to be eased back into things after an injury layoff.

Forwards

As far as the attacking unit is concerned, there are unlikely to be any alterations with Hansi Flick expected to continue with the on-fire trident of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Ferran Torres can be an option for the manager to change things up, but the Spaniard is once again likely to be used as an impact substitute in the second period.