Two weeks on from our last game in La Liga against Osasuna. We’re finally back in action tonight. At 9pm local time, Barça will face local side Espanyol in the Catalan Derby. We’re in the final stretch of the season, with only 5 games left. The title is definitely in sight, we just need to push ourselves over the line and Barça can start doing that tonight against Espanyol. There is a lot of bad blood between the two clubs, especially considering how their fan base has treated a lot of our players over the years. So that means there is a great amount of motivation within the team and the club to get the job done in Cornella. However, we can’t get carried away by the occasion.
It’s going to be a very difficult game to play, as of course Espanyol are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone. So they have something to fight for, just like us. We need to be on it from the first minute and really put them under pressure.
A quick look at our opponents:
As mentioned above, Espanyol are fighting for relegation. There’s not much else to say about them really. They’ve had a tough season overall, which is why they find themselves in the position they’re in. They have got something to fight for which could make the game tricky for us, but of course we have something big to fight for too. Over the course of the season they’ve scored a total of 40 goals and conceded 56 in the process. Which as a result makes them one of the worst defences in the entire division. In fact they’re only above Elche in terms of goals conceded.
Predicted Lineup:
For the first time in what must be, since the start of the year, Barça have a fully fit squad coming into the game vs Espanyol tonight. And that is absolutely massive. There are 5 games left of the season and its important we can field our strongest possible lineup in every game, so we can get the job done. As well as play our best football. Roberto was the only man out injured, and he received the medical green light yesterday afternoon. Although he obviously wont start. It’s still good to know that we have a full fit squad again.
It’s been a long time coming. What that also means is that the lineup is pretty going to be how we all expect it to be. B.A.C.K will be back in defence. Jordi alba scored the winning goal against Osasuna, and had a decent impact on the game too. But, it has to be Balde at left back. His pace and speed in transition is key for us. Iñ midfield, its going to be the famous box with Frenkie and Busi at double pivot. With the two golden boys, Pedri and Gavi playing ahead of them. Lewandowski will lead the line. And i guess the only question will be who plays between Dembele or Raphinha.
Dembele hasn’t started a game since his return from injury. And me personally, i still think we may be a little reluctant to start him tonight. So Raphinha will most likely partner Lewandowski in our attack. Ansu had a really positive game against Osasuna. The only thing that was missing was the goal. But he looked a lot more like his normal self. So it would be nice to see him come off the bench some time in the game too.
My starting lineup
Kounde- Araujo- Christensen- Balde
Pedri- Frenkie- Busquets- Gavi
Lewandowski- Raphinha
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