Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Saturday evening when they travel to Iberostar Stadium to face Mallorca.
The Blaugrana have enjoyed an impressive start to the new season, winning five and drawing one from their first six games. They are second in the table and swatted away Elche 3-0 at home before the international break.
With games set to come thick and fast in October, Xavi Hernandez will want to keep the winning momentum going and get all three points against Mallorca.
Barcelona Team News
Injuries have been piling up for Barcelona and manager Xavi Hernandez has been dealt with a new blow, with Hector Bellerin suffering discomfort in his calf during Tuesday’s training session. Bellerin is unavailable for selection for the upcoming league game, confirmed the club’s official website.
Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong suffered hamstring injuries in the Netherlands’ 2-1 loss to Poland in the Nations League last week. Jules Kounde also endured a similar fate as he was forced to come off with a hamstring problem after 23 minutes in France’s 2-0 win over Austria.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo has undergone successful surgery to his adductor after the defender sustained the injury last Friday on international duty with Uruguay. Araujo is ruled out for the foreseeable future, but Xavi will welcome back Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto for the weekend’s clash at Mallorca.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Mallorca (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre ter-Stegen has conceded just one goal in six games, which demonstrates the form he is in at the moment. The German is a certain fixture between the sticks for Barcelona and should start at the weekend.
Defence
Xavi has injury problems to cope with that will force his hand to make alterations at the back. Lining up in a usual 4-3-3, Andreas Christensen is expected to replace the injured Ronald Araujo in the Barcelona lineup. Christensen will partner Eric Garcia in central defence, with the fit-again Sergi Roberto replacing the injured Jules Kounde at right-back.
The Barcelona boss is set to stick with young Alejandro Balde at left-back ahead of the experienced Jordi Alba, with the academy product enjoying a run of games in what could be his breakthrough campaign at the club.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Sergio Busquets will reprise the no.6 role and look to control proceedings for the visitors. Injury to Frenkie de Jong could open the door for Franck Kessie to start, and the Ivorian will be eager to grab his opportunity with both hands against Mallorca.
Pedri will complete Barcelona’s midfield trio as has become a permanent fixture in the team under Xavi. This means Gavi has to be satisfied with a role on the bench.
Attack
Barcelona have a fiery attack, led by the goal-machine Robert Lewandowski. The Pole has been sensational since arriving at the club in the summer and will look to continue his rich vein in form. Ousmane Dembele is an automatic pick on the left flank in the Barcelona lineup, with Raphinha expected to get the nod over Ansu Fati on the right.