Ronald Aruajo and Jules Kounde will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against UD Las Palmas at the Gran Canaria Stadium on Saturday.
Catalan giants Barcelona will aim to consolidate their place atop La Liga when they lock horns with UD Las Palmas at the Gran Canaria Stadium on Saturday evening. Hansi Flick has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Fermin Lopez is available and in the travelling squad to take on UD Las Palmas after serving a suspension last weekend against Rayo Vallecano. So, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal are the only players who remain on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on Dani Olmo and shared his plans for the Spanish international. The German tactician also spoke about how he plans to manage the minutes of his players.
The Barcelona manager said, “Yes, we are thinking about this [Plans for Olmo similar to Pedri to help him avoid injuries]. Last season he got injured and we have to take precautions and we are planning to do the same as with Pedri, yes.”
“All the players in the team are in good physical shape, but we have to think not only about this match, but also about the next ones, and then the international matches. We have that in mind, the data of the players, and it’s our job. Maybe we allow two players to rest and others to play. We have players at a very high level.”
Wojciech Szczesny will retain his spot between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against UD Las Palmas at the Gran Canaria Stadium on Saturday. The backline should feature Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde. So, Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsi will drop to the bench.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri should pair up in the double pivot, with Marc Casado on the bench again. Gavi will reprise the no. 10 role, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal being the two wide attackers. Finally, Robert Lewandowski will lead the line for the away side against UD Las Palmas on Saturday.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Gavi, Yamal; Lewandowski
