Luis Enrique will have a full squad to face Las Palmas on Saturday night
Every single player on Barcelona’s roster is now fit following Jasper Cillessen’s return to full training, and Enrique will be happy to see that. Barcelona need to start winning every game they play as they look to close the 5-point gap on Real Madrid, and a full squad will help them achieve this.
Despite Cillessen’s return, Enrique will take no chances and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is expected to keep his place in goal. A defensive line of Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Jordi Alba will probably be what Enrique opts for, as he has favoured that back-line this season.
Neymar went months without scoring a goal for the Catalans before finally breaking that spell in the 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, but the Brazilian superstar has still not scored in the La Liga since October 2nd, when he scored in a 4-3 loss to Celta Vigo. However, he was brilliant against the Basque side in midweek and there is no way Enrique will drop him for this tie.
Lionel Messi also scored with his third free-kick in a row, and Barcelona will be hoping for more of the same against Las Palamas, who have shown they can mix it up with the big boys after defeating Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey.
Completing the front-line will be Luis Suarez, who has scored 12 goals already this season – 1 goal behind Messi who is on 13. The Uruguayan has been one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers this season and he will also be glad to see Neymar come into some real form.
In midfield, Ivan Rakitic is unlikely to start as reports of his unhappiness at Barcelona and links with Manchester City continue to grow. Andre Gomes has been preferred over the Croatian, and will likely start alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.
Enrique will no doubt name a strong bench as well, in case Las Palmas throw up any surprises during the game and he needs to tinker with the team. Arda Turan ended last year in fine form and will definitely be on the bench with a cameo appearance a big possibility.
Provisional Barcelona Squad : Ter Stegen, Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba, Gomes, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez, Neymar, Cillessen, Turan, Digne, Mascherano, Rafinha, Vidal, Mathieu