Barcelona will entertain Espanyol at the Nou Camp on Saturday afternoon as they look to earn maximum points at home in La Liga. The Catalan club will be eager to put in a productive display and secure a win so that they can consolidate their position at the top of the league table.
Xavi will set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to name a strong first XI for this game. Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen will operate as Barca’s centre-backs in this league game at the Nou Camp while Ronaldo Araujo will be available for selection on the bench.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Espanyol
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen will function in between the sticks for the Catalan club as he hopes to earn a clean sheet this weekend. As mentioned earlier, Jules Kounde will play alongside Andreas Christensen at the heart of Xavi’s defence as they try to keep things solid at the back during the 90 minutes.
Sergi Roberto will look to give a good account of himself as the right-back while Alejandro Balde hopes to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them would be eager to join in on the attack and create some inviting chances from the wide areas.
Ronald Araujo and Jordi Alba will have to settle for a spot on the bench as they offer cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Pedri will make up Barca’s midfield as they try to dominate the game at the centre of the park and orchestrate some good openings on the attacking end of the field. Pedri and Gavi will act Barcelona’s main playmakers in the Espanyol half.
Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they wait for their chance to shine in the second half if Xavi decides to call upon their services.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele is expected to get the nod to operate on the left flank while Raphinha hopes to put his pace to good use on the right wing.
Ansu Fati will get a chance to impress as the focal point of Xavi’s attack. He has to find a way to cause a few problems for the opposition centre-backs this weekend.
Memphis Depay will be named on the Barca bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if needed.
