Gavi, Lamine start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Las Palmas | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be eager to get back to winning ways in La Liga when they play hosts to UD Las Palmas on Saturday afternoon in Montjuic.

Following two winless games against Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo in the league, Barça have seen their lead at the top of the table reduce, with Real Madrid now breathing down their necks.

The Blaugrana did produce a strong reaction by defeating Brest 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week and will want to carry the momentum forward into tomorrow’s encounter against Diego Martinez’s side.

Barcelona go into the game boosted by the return of star forward Lamine Yamal, who has recovered from his injury. Ferran Torres is also back in training and could be back in the squad for tomorrow’s match.

However, the hosts will be without Marc Casado due to suspension while Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Ansu Fati are absent through injuries.

Here’s how Hansi Flick could set his team up tomorrow as Barcelona look to bag all three points against Las Palmas at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Defence

Inaki Pena has given no reason for the manager to change things up in the Barcelona goal and as such, he will start again while Wojciech Szczesny will continue to wait for his debut.

As for the defence, there were concerns about Inigo Martinez as reports emerged that he was dealing with muscle discomfort. But the veteran defender trained normally today and should start alongside his usual partner Pau Cubarsi.

Jules Kounde is the obvious starter in the right-back position for Barça while Alejandro Balde will reclaim his starting spot on the left side from Gerard Martin.

Midfield

Gavi in line for his second start of the season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Pedri, who turned in another masterclass against Brest in midweek, is a certainty to feature in the midfield for the Blaugrana.

But with Marc Casado unavailable, Flick has to choose a replacement for the youngster, with his options being Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Eric Garcia.

As things stand, Gavi, who has made one start since returning from injury, appears likely to get the nod as Pedri’s partner in the Barcelona midfield tomorrow.

Summer signing Dani Olmo, who scored a goal in midweek against Brest, ought to continue as the attacking midfielder against Las Palmas.

Attack

As mentioned earlier, Lamine Yamal is fully fit again after missing the last three matches through injury and the 17-year-old sensation is likely to start on the right wing tomorrow.

It should lead to Raphinha moving back to his usual spot on the left flank while Fermin Lopez drops out to the bench.

Robert Lewandowski, the early frontrunner for the Pichichi Trophy, will be leading the line for Barcelona and hoping to score his first La Liga goal against Las Palmas.

The likes of Ferran Torres, Pablo Torre and Pau Victor could receive some minutes off the bench in the latter stages of the match.