Predicted Barcelona line-up to face RCD Espanyol in La Liga clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to take on local rivals RCD Espanyol in La Liga in their upcoming domestic fixture. This game is set to be played at the Montjuic Stadium, and La Blaugrana will be hoping to make the most of it. Moreover, Barcelona will be looking to win and take away all three points in order to maintain their position at the top of the table.

However, for that to happen, Hansi Flick will need to rely on a strong starting eleven. At the same time, however, reports have been suggesting that some sort of rotation will take place for this game and Hansi Flick could look to make use of his recently recovered players a bit more in this upcoming game.

Here is how Barcelona could line-up to take on RCD Espanyol.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena

After having cleared any and all doubts about his quality after keeping an impressive clean sheet against Real Madrid, Inaki Pena already seems to have cemented himself as a regular starter for Hansi Flick’s team.

Right-back: Hector Fort

With Jules Kounde being one of the players who Hansi Flick has relied on a lot this season without many breaks, it would make sense for the Barcelona coach to give the Frenchman some much-deserved rest while a youngster like Hector Fort can temporarily take over.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

A 17-year-old defender who can be identified as a world-class player in his position is extremely difficult to come by, but Pau Cubarsi exceeds all expectations. His participation against Espanyol could be crucial for Barcelona if Hansi Flick’s side is aiming for victory.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

The main veteran in the defense, Inigo Martinez is a true warrior who has been key to Barça’s defensive strength this season. His maturity, experience, and overall quality as a footballer is clear to see, and the Spaniard is someone who has been quite reliable for the team.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

Slowly but surely, Alejandro Balde has found his best version again at Barcelona. The Catalan giants have desperately waited for it, but now they have it and it is truly paying off for them on the pitch.

CDM: Marc Casado

The young Marc Casado is the backbone of this team and he keeps the structure in check. Without Marc Casado, the team’s defensive lapses will begin to shine through the cracks, something that Hansi Flick will desperately not want to see happen.

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

It has been a long time coming, but it seems to be the right game for Frenkie de Jong to finally start for Barcelona again. He played a sensational second half against Real Madrid in his previous appearance, and he will be looking to build on that this time around.

RAM: Lamine Yamal

The Kopa Trophy winner and most valuable player for Barcelona remains rampant in his journey to dismantle and distress any opposition defender who shows up in his way. Against Espanyol, that will likely end up being his objective again.

CAM: Dani Olmo

Expected to start this upcoming game, and for understandable reasons. Dani Olmo is normally a regular starter for Hansi Flick, but his recent injury hindered his continuity. Now that he is back and fully recovered, the Spaniard should slot right back in and make Barça’s offensive capabilities even more deadly.

LAM: Raphinha

In many ways, Raphinha is the heart and soul of this Hansi Flick-led Barcelona side. His workrate and never-ending drive to continue piling on pressure are just a few things out the many that make him as special as he is, especially in this ongoing season.

The frontrunner for the Pichichi award this season yet again, Robert Lewandowski is in enjoying a great season so far in terms of goals. He managed to get himself a brace against Real Madrid the last time he played in La Liga, so he will be rubbing his hands in anticipation at the thought of Espanyol next.