Camp Nou would have a somewhat hostile atmosphere this Saturday as Barcelona take on Espanyol for the Catalan Derby, or how they call it in Catalunia, Derbi Barceloni.
Despite boasting a 10 point lead over Atletico Madrid at the top of the Primera Divison table, it is crucial for Ernesto Valverde’s men to win this game. Following this derby, the Cules play two high-intensity fixtures in La Liga against Villareal and Atletico Madrid before travelling to Manchester United for their UEFA Champions League quarter-final fixture.
When the last time these two sides met at the RCDE stadium just on the outskirts of Barcelona, Valverde’s men emerged 4-0 winners. Not much has changed at Espanyol since then; they are currently placed 13th in the points table.
Barcelona have a few notable absentees in the form of Ousmane Dembele and Rafinha. There is also a possibility that Suarez would not be fully fit just in time for the game. The Uruguayan sprained his ankle in Barca’s 4-1 victory against Real Betis Balompie.
Lionel Messi returned to training after missing Argentina’s slender victory over Morocco after a pelvic injury he picked up against Venezuela. Here’s how we at T4O feel Barcelona would line-up against Espanyol.
Defence
Marc Andre Ter Stegen would be the safe pair of hands handling proceedings between the sticks. Nelson Semedo is expected to occupy the right-back position. Gerard Pique would be partnered by Samuel Umtiti in the centre of Barcelona’s defence. The two need to get the partnership up and running once again following a long injury layoff for Umtiti. Any guesses for the left-back position? Yes, Jordi Alba, it is.
Midfield
Sergi Roberto is expected to be deployed for midfield duty, and Rakitic could be given some time off in the process. Busquets and Arthur would be joining Roberto in the centre of the field. Arthur has put in some clinical performances post his return from injury, and it is expected that he would grow on them. The less spoken about the midfield genius, Busquets, the better.
Attack
Lionel Messi would be the man in charge of the front-line along with the captain’s armband on his hand. Loanee, Kevin Prince Boateng would be the one deputising for the not fully recovered Luis Suarez. The final spot in the starting eleven is to be occupied by Coutinho in the absence of Ousmane Dembele.
Predicted Line-Up
Ter Stegen
Semedo – Pique – Umtiti – Alba
Roberto – Busquets – Arthur
Messi – Boateng – Coutinho
