Barcelona will lock horns with Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday night as they try to secure a victory in the Catalan derby. Barca managed to earn an impressive 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid last weekend which will keep them in high spirits ahead of this clash in La Liga.
Xavi will stick with his favoured 4-3-3 formation and is expected to make a few tweaks to his first team for this game. Pierre-Emerick Aubemayang will probably get the nod to lead the line for the visitors up top.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Espanyol
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen will function in between the sticks for Barca after shipping in a couple of goals in his last league appearance. Ronald Araujo and Gerard Pique will operate as the centre-backs in Xavi’s first-team as they try to give a good account of themselves on the defensive third of the pitch.
Dani Alves is suspended for this clash which means that Sergino Dest will feature at right-back while Jordi Alba hopes to catch the eye as the left-back. Both of them will need to be at the top of their game if Barca are to emerge victorious this weekend.
Oscar Mingueza will have to settle for a place on the bench as he provides cover for the defensive positions.
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Midfield
Gavi will anchor the midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong as they focus on establishing their superiority over the opposition at the centre of the park.
Riqui Puig and Nico Gonzalez will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the second half if required.
Attack
Ferran Torres will fill in as a left-winger while Adama Traore hopes to run in behind the Espanyol backline on the right flank.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the charge for Barcelona down the middle following his arrival from Arsenal on deadline day.
Ansu Fati is currently out of action with a hamstring injury. However, Luuk de Jong will be named on the bench as he waits for his chance to shine in the latter stages as an impact substitute if needed.
