Pedri, Ferran start in a 4-2-3-1: How Barcelona can line up against Espanyol | OneFootball

FC Barcelona take the field for the first time in 2026 later tonight as they face off against bitter rivals RCD Espanyol away at Cornella-El Prat.

It promises to be a heated Catalan derby, given that both teams arrive on good form and momentum on their side, while Joan Garcia’s transfer from the summer is set to add more tension.

Barcelona go into the game as La Liga leaders, with a four-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid, having strung together a seven-game winning streak across all competitions since the defeat to Chelsea in late November.

Meanwhile, Espanyol are currently fifth in the standings, four points below third-placed Atletico Madrid, having won each of their last five league matches.

The atmosphere will be charged, fan reception will be hostile, but Barcelona go into the game as favourites, even more so after recovering key players like Pedri and Dani Olmo from injury.

However, Ronald Araujo is still not ready to return, while Gavi also remains sidelined. Andreas Christensen is a long-term absentee.

With that in mind, here’s how Barcelona are likely to take the field at the RCDE Stadium, aiming to start the new year on a winning note.

Defence

All eyes will be on Joan Garcia as he returns to his former home for the first time since leaving Espanyol for Barcelona in the summer window. The 24-year-old will be put under pressure as a hostile home crowd awaits, and it is up to him not to get distracted.

Meanwhile, in defence, Jules Kounde will slot in at right-back as usual, as the discomfort he suffered after the Villarreal clash was never a major concern. Alejandro Balde will start on the left side of the Blaugrana defence.

Joan Garcia’s biggest test so far. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

At the heart of the defence, Pau Cubarsi is a permanent fixture and will once again be joined by Gerard Martin, who has excelled in his new role as the left-sided centre-back.

Midfield

Pedri has recovered from the minor discomfort that kept him out against Villarreal and will undoubtedly return to the starting lineup for Barcelona.

What will be interesting to see is who partners the 23-year-old Spanish international, with Hansi Flick having to choose between Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia.

The manager is likely to lean towards the Spaniard over the Dutch heavyweight, given that Eric has been brilliant as a pivot midfielder and has given no reason to be replaced.

Moving forward, it will be Fermin Lopez who slots in as the attacking midfielder for the visiting team, hoping to carry on from his strong 2025.

Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and Dani Olmo will hope to get some minutes off the bench.

Attack

Up top, Ferran Torres has firmly overtaken Robert Lewandowski as the preferred starter in the No. 9 position and is expected to get the nod ahead of the veteran for the derby tonight.

There is simply no looking beyond Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the flanks, with the latter training normally on Friday after having felt some discomfort a day before.

Marcus Rashford will have to make to with a spot on the bench.