La Liga league leaders FC Barcelona have started the season in emphatic fashion with six wins in six matches. The Catalan giants will look to make it seven out of seven this weekend, as they face a challenging task of overcoming Las Palmas. Ironically, the match will take place on the same day, as the Catalonia Referendum is hosted. The fate of football club Barcelona could be in doubt, as they will be forced to strip themselves out of the Spanish La Liga if the people of Catalonia plan to vote for independence.
Here’s a look at how the league leaders might lineup against Las Palmas on the all-important Sunday.
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in between the sticks. The German International has been in fine form decision, keeping four clean sheets and beaten just twice.
Right Back: Nelson Semedo will start as the right-sided fullback for the league leaders. The new signing has been very impressive this season and will hope for a similar outing against Las Palmas.
Center Backs: Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti will start in between the two wide fullbacks. The defensive partnership of Pique and Umtiti has been very solid so far this season.
Coach Ernesto Valverde will hope that it will remain intact throughout the rest of the season.
Left Back: Jordi Alba should start as the left-back ahead of Lucas Digne. His contributions become really evident whenever he’s on the pitch. And it will be more of the same this weekend.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets will take care of the holding midfield position. The Catalan born midfielder could be very influential against the strong opposing midfielders of Las Palmas.
Central Midfielders: Ivan Rakitic definitely seems to be a starter this weekend but Andres Iniesta could be given a breather with Paulinho pushing up for yet another starting berth in the team. Rakitic’s ball carrying abilities coupled with Paulinho’s overall qualities in midfield could be devastating for the opposition.
Right Wing: Gerard Deulofeu was left-out from the team once again in midweek but is expected to make his return this weekend. Though Aleix Vidal and Sergi Roberto are also pushing up for a start on the right flank.
Center Forward: Luis Suarez will be looking to find his lost rhythm with a strong performance against LA UD. The Uruguayan has scored two goals in three matches so far in the La Liga this season.
Left Wing: While Luis Suarez is struggling with his form this season, Lionel Messi has been tearing it up at a stunning rate. Already on nine goals in just six matches, Messi is poised to add more his already impressive goal-scoring tally this campaign.
This is how they might line up:
