Araujo, Rashford start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Mallorca | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will look to register their sixth win in a row when they lock horns with RCD Mallorca later today at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Since their defeat to Real Sociedad last month, the Blaugrana have picked up five consecutive wins across all competitions, the most recent one coming against Albacete (2-1) in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

As far as La Liga is concerned, Barcelona are currently at the top of the table, one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid, who face a tricky test away to Valencia on Sunday.

So, the game against Mallorca today provides Hansi Flick & co. with an excellent chance to strengthen their grip at the top of the standings and put pressure on the Spanish capital club.

However, Barça once again go into the contest without some key players as Raphinha has not recovered from his overload, while Pedri also remains unavailable. Andreas Christensen and Gavi are also ruled out.

Having opted to make some notable alterations to the side for the midweek cup tie against Albacete, Flick is expected to revert those changes. And, here’s how Barcelona are likely to take the field today against Jagoba Arrasate’s side.

Defence

Joan Garcia, at this point, is one of the untouchables in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona setup and will retain his place in the goal, hoping to stop Vedat Muriqi & co.

In order to handle the physical threat posed by the Mallorca striker, Ronald Araujo could be in for another start today, having made his first one in midweek after the mental health break he took.

Pau Cubarsi, who was given a breather by the manager in the Copa del Rey fixture, should reclaim his spot in the starting XI, partnering with Araujo in the Blaugrana backline.

There will be changes in both full-back slots as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will return to the lineup at the expense of Joao Cancelo and Gerard Martin, respectively, who started in the cup tie.

Midfield

Marc Casado to replace Marc Bernal? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Frenkie de Jong has been churning out some commanding displays for Barcelona in recent games and the team will expect more of the same from the Dutchman in the continued absence of Pedri.

As for his partner in the centre of the park, there could be a change, with Marc Casado expected to get a run-out after having played only around 40 minutes across the team’s last three matches.

Marc Bernal, who started and played more than an hour against Albacete, will make way for his fellow La Masia graduate.

Meanwhile, fresh from his contract signing until 2031, Fermin Lopez will take up the No. 10 position, replacing Dani Olmo.

Attack

With no Raphinha once again, Marcus Rashford is set to start on the left flank, aiming to add to his goal tally and further convince Barcelona to activate his €30 million permanent buy option.

On the opposite wing, there is simply no looking past Lamine Yamal, who has been in brilliant touch in recent weeks and earned praise from the manager in the buildup to the game.

The final piece of the puzzle for Barcelona in attack will be Ferran Torres, replacing Robert Lewandowski, who had a quiet outing last time out against Albacete.