Barcelona seek to get back in the groove in La Liga as they host Las Palmas at home. In light of a recent downturn in form, Hansi Flick’s side now looks to consolidate their position in the table. Meanwhile, it will be a tall order for Las Palmas as they fight to escape the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Barcelona’s Current Form
The Blaugrana have had their fair share of mishaps over the last couple of weeks. A slim 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad was followed by a thrilling 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo as their cushion at the top of La Liga has been reduced. Real Madrid is four points adrift but has a game in hand, meaning Barcelona understand the significance of taking three points from this game.
Nevertheless, Barcelona showed their muscle midweek with an emphatic 3-0 Champions League win over Brest. At home, though, the team remains undefeated this season, having garnered five wins in as many matches so far in La Liga.
Struggles Continue for Las Palmas and Recent Form
Meanwhile, Las Palmas are fighting to stay in La Liga, sitting 17th and only two points ahead of the drop zone. Under Diego Martinez, they have won four of their last six matches, but away from home, they are less convincing, having lost five of seven road games this season.
Historically, Las Palmas have struggled against Barcelona and last beat them in La Liga back in 1986. Their most recent trip to Camp Nou ended in defeat, and they haven’t won there since 1971.
Team News
Barcelona Updates
Lamine Yamal should return after an ankle injury.
Ferran Torres should also rejoin the matchday squad.
Ronald Araujo, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Ansu Fati are some of the main absentees.
Marc Casado is suspended for this game, and that could make way for Frenkie de Jong to start in midfield.
Las Palmas Updates
Las Palmas have no major injury concerns, and head coach Diego Martinez will most likely field a consistent XI. Forward Sandro Ramirez will face his former club while Fabio Silva, who has scored three times in five appearances, will lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Pena
Defense: Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde
Midfield: De Jong, Pedri
Attack: Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha
Striker: Lewandowski
Las Palmas (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Cillessen
Defense: Rozada, Suarez, McKenna, Munoz
Midfield: Essugo, Campana
Attack: Sandro, K Rodriguez, Fuster
Striker: F Silva
Prediction
Dominant home record for Barcelona and a poor history from Las Palmas against them. This should go Barcelona’s way, as much as Las Palmas may have shown their resurgence under Martinez, the quality difference is just too big to overlook.
Final Score Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Las Palmas
The defensive solidity of Barcelona coupled with attacking prowess should see them return to winning ways, while Las Palmas have to struggle to break through at Camp Nou.
