Barcelona predicted lineup vs Espanyol - La Liga | OneFootball

Life under Hansi Flick couldn't be much sweeter right now and Barcelona have the chance to hammer local rivals Espanyol and extend their La Liga lead to nine points this weekend.

La Blaugrana's 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid last weekend in El Clasico has set them up nicely for a less intense local derby with Barcelona-based side Espanyol on Sunday. Considering their mightily impressive form and Espanyol's patchy start to the season, Barca could run up the scoreline at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Injuries continue to limit Flick's pool of talent but the German coach has welcomed back key midfielders Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo over the past month. He also has the most devastating forward line in Europe right now as the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha aim to add to their tallies against struggling Espanyol.

Here is how Barca could line up in the derby.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Espanyol (4-2-3-1)

Robert Lewandowski has been in sensational goalscoring form / Diego Souto/GettyImages

GK: Inaki Pena - Marc-Andre ter Stegen's long-term injury has opened the door for Pena, who has taken his opportunity in the starting lineup with both hands. Emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny is yet to feature for La Blaugrana.

RB: Jules Kounde - Kounde should enjoy a quieter evening against Espanyol than he did up again Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior. Still, the defender performed admirably against the Brazilian superstar.

CB: Pau Cubarsi - The unflappable 17-year-old earned a clean sheet against the eternally offside Kylian Mbappe last time out and his exceptional displays are limiting the impact felt by Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen's absences.

CB: Inigo Martinez - Martinez has been on fire in both boxes recently, adding another assist to his tally last Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 33-year-old is ageing like a fine wine in the Barcelona defence.

LB: Alejandro Balde - Also set one up against Madrid as Lewandowski and co. ran riot in the forward line and will be eager to earn a sixth clean sheet of the season against an inconsistent Espanyol outfit.

DM: Frenkie de Jong - After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Barca have been understandably cautious with De Jong's return. He's now made four substitute appearances since his comeback and the Dutchman may be used from the start on Sunday.

DM: Pedri - Pedri will be pleased to see his teammates returning in the engine room, taking a little pressure off his creative shoulders. The young Spaniard was a standout performer in El Clasico.

RW: Lamine Yamal - Became the youngest goalscorer in El Clasico history last weekend as he continues to topple records. The teenager and Kopa Trophy victor has already produced five goals and six assists in La Liga this season.

AM: Dani Olmo - Olmo has also returned from injury in recent matches, although he's been limited to cameos from the bench. With an interrupted week of training under his belt, the summer recruit should displace Fermin Lopez in the number ten spot.

LW: Raphinha - Having been maligned frequently throughout his Barca career, the Brazilian has found a new lease on life under Flick. Has seven goals and five assists in his last seven outings for club and country.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - Speaking of impressive form, Lewandowski was another star in El Clasico, scoring twice and taking his season goal tally to 17 in 14 matches in all competitions.