Barcelona will be looking to get back to winning ways as they host Las Palmas at the Camp Nou tonight in the La Liga.
The Blaugrana have been struggling for form in the Spanish top division, having managed to win only 2 games in their last 6 La Liga games, drawing the rest of those fixtures. In their last La Liga encounter, they managed to snatch a last-gasp draw against Villarreal thanks to a brilliant Lionel Messi free-kick.
However, they will be coming into the match against Las Palmas on the back of a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey that sealed their progress to the quarter-finals. The Catalans put in one of their finest performances this season against the Basque side with Neymar finally breaking his long-running goal drought, and manager Luis Enrique will be hoping for more of the same from his side on Saturday.
Enrique has all his players available for the clash, with no fresh injury concerns. However, given the way his team performed in the midweek, the former Celta manager will look to field a similar line-up given how the Catalans cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are close the gap to La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Here we give you the predicted line-up that could take the field on Saturday at the Camp Nou:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (GK)
The German will return to the starting XI after having sat out of the midweek clash. Hasn’t looked convincing in the goal for Barca throughout the term and could be a liability.
Sergi Roberto (RB)
Did not enjoy a great outing against Bilbao, but a lack of options on the right-hand side of defence means he will continue to be involved heavily.
Gerard Pique (CB)
The Spanish centre-back has been one of the few consistent performers for Barca this season and as the leader of the defence, he will start against Las Palmas on Saturday.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
Has been a constant fixture in the side ever since his return from injury and after an encouraging display in the Copa Del Rey clash, he should hold onto his place.
Jordi Alba (LB)
Continues to be one of the key men for the Blaugrana with his marauding forward runs from left-back. Given that Enrique will look to field his strongest team the Spaniard will be picked ahead of Lucas Digne on Saturday.
Sergio Busquets (DM)
Hasn’t had the best of the season so far given the high standards he sets for himself. But Busquets remains Barca’s best option in the deepest midfielder role and will start on Saturday.
Andres Iniesta (CM)
The club captain continues to play a key role as he is the man that keeps things ticking in the midfield. His presence will be extremely vital for Barca as they chase Madrid, so expect him to take the field at Camp Nou.
Ivan Rakitic (CM)
The Croatian has been an ever-present in the Barcelona line-up and has been a crucial cog in the midfield. Having come off the bench against Athletic, Rakitic will be reinstated to the playing XI against Las Palmas.
Lionel Messi (RW)
Where would Barcelona be without their little magician? Messi saved the blushes for Barca against Villarreal last weekend, scoring a last-minute equalizer and was again among goals during midweek, scoring from a set-piece. He will feature on the right-flank.
Neymar (LW)
The Brazilian enjoyed one of his better outings this campaign against Athletic in the Copa clash, bringing an end to his goal drought from the penalty spot. Las Palmas will have their hands full dealing with his movement in from the left-wing.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The Uruguayan scored his 100th goal for Barcelona against Bilbao during the midweek and Enrique will definitely field him through the middle of the attacking trident as Barcelona go about to reduce the gap at the top.