Life beneath Hansi Flick could not be a lot sweeter proper now and Barcelona have the prospect to hammer native rivals Espanyol and lengthen their La Liga result in 9 factors this weekend.
La Blaugrana’s 4-0 thrashing of Actual Madrid final weekend in El Clasico has set them up properly for a much less intense native derby with Barcelona-based facet Espanyol on Sunday. Contemplating their mightily spectacular kind and Espanyol’s patchy begin to the season, Barca may run up the scoreline on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Accidents proceed to restrict Flick’s pool of expertise however the German coach has welcomed again key midfielders Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo over the previous month. He additionally has essentially the most devastating ahead line in Europe proper now because the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha goal so as to add to their tallies in opposition to struggling Espanyol.
Right here is how Barca may line up within the derby.
GK: Inaki Pena – Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term damage has opened the door for Pena, who has taken his alternative within the beginning lineup with each fingers. Emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny is but to characteristic for La Blaugrana.
RB: Jules Kounde – Kounde ought to get pleasure from a quieter night in opposition to Espanyol than he did up once more Actual Madrid and Vinicius Junior. Nonetheless, the defender carried out admirably in opposition to the Brazilian famous person.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – The unflappable 17-year-old earned a clear sheet in opposition to the eternally offside Kylian Mbappe final day trip and his distinctive shows are limiting the influence felt by Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen’s absences.
CB: Inigo Martinez – Martinez has been on hearth in each containers lately, including one other help to his tally final Sunday on the Santiago Bernabeu. The 33-year-old is ageing like a effective wine within the Barcelona defence.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Additionally set one up in opposition to Madrid as Lewandowski and co. ran riot within the ahead line and will likely be wanting to earn a sixth clear sheet of the season in opposition to an inconsistent Espanyol outfit.
DM: Frenkie de Jong – After a prolonged spell on the sidelines, Barca have been understandably cautious with De Jong’s return. He is now made 4 substitute appearances since his comeback and the Dutchman could also be used from the beginning on Sunday.
DM: Pedri – Pedri will likely be happy to see his teammates returning within the engine room, taking a little bit stress off his inventive shoulders. The younger Spaniard was a standout performer in El Clasico.
RW: Lamine Yamal – Turned the youngest goalscorer in El Clasico historical past final weekend as he continues to topple data. {The teenager} and Kopa Trophy victor has already produced 5 objectives and 6 assists in La Liga this season.
AM: Dani Olmo – Olmo has additionally returned from damage in current matches, though he is been restricted to cameos from the bench. With an interrupted week of coaching beneath his belt, the summer time recruit ought to displace Fermin Lopez within the quantity ten spot.
LW: Raphinha – Having been maligned ceaselessly all through his Barca profession, the Brazilian has discovered a brand new lease on life beneath Flick. Has seven objectives and 5 assists in his final seven outings for membership and nation.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – Talking of spectacular kind, Lewandowski was one other star in El Clasico, scoring twice and taking his season objective tally to 17 in 14 matches in all competitions.