Barcelona predicted starting XI against Espanyol | La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are looking to maintain their lead in La Liga as the league campaign gradually reaches its conclusion. With a seven point lead at the time of writing, the Catalan giants will not want to slip up at any point moving forward.

However, their upcoming opponents are notoriously hard to beat. Espanyol, local rivals for the Catalan giants, will look to make life difficult while Hansi Flick will likely have to manage rotations ahead of a demanding schedule.

Here is how Barcelona could line up against Espanyol.

Predicted Barcelona Line-up vs RCD Espanyol

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

The Spaniard was unable to do much to prevent Atletico Madrid from scoring twice in the last game, but he will want to make a difference in this particular outing. Hopefully, he ends up doing that if he starts the game.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

With limited options, Hansi Flick has a lot of big calls to make. In this game, however, Jules Kounde starting on the right flank seems like a reasonable choice to add more defensive stability to that side of the pitch.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

The Uruguayan defender has had to deal with several ups and downs over the years, but he continues to defend that Barcelona colours. Perhaps this is one of those games in which he shows why he is still here if he ends up starting.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Considering the fact that he will be suspended for the next game in the UEFA Champions League, it essentially becomes a guarantee that he will start this game against Espanyol. Hopefully, he manages to bounce back well following that unfortunate red card.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

It might be a good opportunity to rest Joao Cancelo ahead of a crucial game against Atletico Madrid. That is where Alejandro Balde comes in, and he could be a good option to start here.

CDM: Marc Casado

Despite the return of Frenkie de Jong from injury, it seems likely that both the Dutchman and Pedri will start on the bench ahead of a big game in the Champions League coming up ahead. Keeping that in mind, Marc Casado could be a good option to start this game.

CDM: Gavi

Had a cameo in the previous game and this might be a good opportunity to start him here. His intensity and energy could prove to be useful in a game like this.

RAM: Roony Bardghji 

Despite the limited playing time that he has had this season, Roony Bardghji has consistently shown that he can have a positive impact on games. It would also allow Flick to rest Lamine Yamal ahead of the upcoming game against Atletico Madrid.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

Barcelona will need the right kind of intensity in this game to hurt their opponents, and that is something Fermin Lopez excels at. He will look to make an impact if he ends up starting.

LAM: Marcus Rashford 

A disappointing performance in the previous game saw the English forward miss some clear chances. However, if he ends up starting here, he will need to redeem himself as well.

Centre-forward: Ferran Torres

The Spaniard has hardly been convincing this season, and reports of a potential departure continue to pile up. Yet, in games like this, he does still have a chance to prove his worth as a good rotational option.