Official: Barcelona name starting XI for RCD Espanyol clash | La Liga | OneFootball

The Catalan derby arrives as FC Barcelona travel away to take on RCD Espanyol. Both teams share an intense rivalry, and this game could not have come at a better time for either side considering their respective forms and recent results.

Still, Hansi Flick’s side will want to grab all three points for themselves as they look to continue their La Liga title charge. To ensure that, the German coach has even decided to field a strong lineup to take on Espanyol.

Here is the official starting eleven for Barça.

In goal, Joan Garcia starts against his former club for the first time since making the move to Barcelona. While a hostile environment and reception is expected for him, the team and coaches will need him to focus on the game at hand.

Right ahead of him, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin form the centre-back partnership for this game. Both players will know their respective responsibilities for this game, and they will likely need to be quite active.

On the flanks, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde start as the two full-backs. They will need to cover a lot of ground for both offensive and defensive reasons, but they have the quality to make an impact.

In the midfield, Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong start together. Both the Spaniard and the Dutchman will need to be alert and quick at all times, considering the fact that RCD Espanyol will definitely look to apply as much pressure as possible.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Ahead of the two midfielders, Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford will occupy the wings while Raphinha will operate in between them. All three of these players are a threat in front of goal, and Hansi Flick will want them to be clinical and decisive.

Lastly, the centre-forward position is occupied by Ferran Torres. With this team being known for creating a lot of chances, it will be up to him to ensure that those chances find the back of the net if they find their way to him.