Barcelona will look to maintain their narrow lead at the top of the La Liga table when they travel to Las Palmas on Saturday.
Following Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid’s failure to win their games in the previous match day, Barcelona leapfrogged to the top spot after narrowly beating Rayo Vallecano 1-0. Robert Lewandowski’s penalty made the difference for the Catalan giants, who made it four wins on the trot.
Treading a fine line at the top – since Real Madrid are also behind them with the same number of points, Barcelona will look to continue their winning run against a struggling Las Palmas side.
Las Palmas have plummeted to the 17th place in the table after enduring a barren run in the last two months. They have been winless in their last six games ( five defeats and one draw).
They will be desperate to stave off a potential relegation, but the odds are stacked up against them against a dangerous Barcelona, who have decimated the opponents with their relentless attacking style of play.
As for Barcelona, Flick will be determined to avoid any complacency in the final stretch of the season and will try to build on their impressive run of form.
Team News
Barcelona have no fresh injury concerns, with Ronald Araujo also in contention to start after making the bench against Rayo Vallecano, having regained fitness.
Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez will also return to the squad after serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Sevilla.
Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny was once again massive during the win against Rayo Vallecano, making a couple of big saves to record a clean sheet. He will look to continue his undefeated streak with Barcelona against Las Palmas.
Defence
Inigo Martinez will retain his centre-back position after putting out a terrific performance against Rayo Vallecano, alongside his partner Pau Cubarsi.
Jules Kounde, who started on the bench against Vallecano due to disciplinary reasons, should regain his starting spot, with Alejandro Balde, who was also sparkling against Vallecano, on the left flank.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong is expected to retain his place in the starting XI after continuing his impressive run of form in recent weeks, while Pedri and Gavi will complete the midfield line.
Attack
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal looked far from their best against Vallecano given their standards, and they will look to come up with goods against Las Palmas.
Robert Lewandowski will continue to lead the attack after netting his 20th league goal of the season against Vallecano.
