Match Preview : Barça VS Mallorca

It’s the 37th game of the season. We are so close to the finishing line now, so its just the final push. Again, we’ve got nothing much to play for in this game, but we want to sign off the season as best as possible. Our opponent for the night is Mallorca. And we’ll be looking to put on a decent performance in our final home game of the season. Not only is tonight the penultimate game of the season, but its also a game of many good byes. We’re going to be saying a final farewell to two of the club’s legendary players. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. With the latter announcing his departure from the club earlier this week. 

It is also our final game at the old Camp Nou stadium, before we move to Montjuic for a season a half so we can start the renovations. It’s going to be an emotional occasion. Saying goodbye to two legends at the same time is never easy. And of course, our stadium holds so many memories, so we’ll obviously want to sign off on the best note possible. And that’s exactly what we’ll be aiming to do tonight. It’ll be exciting to see the farewells given to Busi and Alba. They’re both incredible players and even bigger legends of the club, who in their own ways will be very difficult to replace. So saying goodbye to them will be emotional for most of us watching.

When it comes to the game. If we’re honest, its another pointless one. We’ve won the league and over the last few games, its been pretty clear that the players have found it difficult to find the motivation. However, there are still incentives to play for like the pichichi and the Zamora. It’s important we finish the season on a positive note, regardless. 

Predicted lineup:

When it comes to the lineup, again its a throw of the dice. Kounde is back in the squad so he’ll probably start in front  of Alonso. Id also imagine Busi and Alba being in the starting lineup so we can sub them off at some point to a standing ovation. Which is what they both deserve. Id love to see Ansu start in this game. I don’t see any reason why not. I’m desperate for him to succeed here. I know he’s had a difficult season, but the talent never disappears. And in the last few games, he’s looked a lot sharper. And a lot more like himself. So he should definitely start. Most probably alongside Lewandowski and Dembele up front. With Gavi, Torre and Busi in the midfield. 

My starting lineup:

Ter Stegen 

Roberto- Kounde- Christensen- Alba 

Gavi- Busquets- Torre

Dembele- Lewandowski- Ansu

Ryan Edwards