Barcelona-Espanyol: Flick Rotates Squad for La Liga Clash
Barcelona welcomes city rivals Espanyol to the Camp Nou in a highly anticipated La Liga match. With a crucial Champions League clash against Inter Milan looming, manager Xavi Hernandez is expected to rotate his squad for the derby.
Rotation is Key
After a grueling week that saw Barcelona secure a vital 2-1 victory against Inter Milan in the Champions League, the team is facing a quick turnaround for the La Liga encounter. To avoid player fatigue and potential injuries, Xavi has hinted at making significant changes to his starting lineup.
Potential Line-Up Changes
While Ter Stegen is likely to remain in goal, the backline could see several alterations. Koundé and Balde might return to the starting eleven, potentially replacing Araujo and Alonso. In midfield, Gavi and Pedri could be rested, with Kessie and De Jong taking their places. Upfront, Lewandowski might be given a breather, allowing Ansu Fati or Dembélé to lead the line.
Espanyol: A Tough Opponent
Despite their recent struggles, Espanyol remains a dangerous opponent. The Periquitos have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season and will be looking to upset their city rivals. Their strong defensive record makes them a difficult team to break down, and they will be hoping to exploit any weaknesses in the Barcelona defense.
Importance of the Derby
The Barcelona-Espanyol derby is always a highly charged affair. With both teams striving for victory, the atmosphere at the Camp Nou is expected to be electric. A win for Barcelona would solidify their position at the top of the La Liga table, while a victory for Espanyol would be a massive boost for their morale and their hopes of a top-half finish.
Key Takeaways:
- Xavi Hernandez will rotate his squad for the Espanyol clash.
- The potential line-up changes could see Koundé, Balde, Kessie, De Jong, and Ansu Fati start.
- Espanyol poses a significant threat despite their recent struggles.
- The derby is a high-pressure affair with both teams looking for a victory.
This match promises to be an exciting and unpredictable encounter. While Barcelona is favored to win, Espanyol's ability to defend and counter-attack could make for a closely contested match. It will be interesting to see how Xavi Hernandez manages his squad and how the players respond to the rotation.