When FC Barcelona hosts Las Palmas on the Montjuic Stadium on Saturday, head coach Xavi Hernandez will make 4 modifications to his line up in comparison with the staff that beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 earlier than the worldwide break.
In Barca’s first sport again after a pause within the calendar, and final match forward of taking up Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League quarterfinals subsequent month, Xavi expects to come across a troublesome opponent which “performs superb soccer” with “character”.
“They wish to play with the ball. [Javier Garcia] Pimienta is doing a fantastic job and has Barca DNA,” he stated, concerning the Catalans’ former reserve staff boss.
“We have now to attempt to steal the ball from them. They arrive with loads to realize and little to lose,” Xavi added, at a pre-match press convention the place he pressured he will not settle for “lies” from the media or return on his authentic resolution to step down come June 30.
On this event, Barca has executed properly to not catch the dreaded FIFA virus, although there was a scare in coaching on Friday with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen when the German pulled up with a knee knock which proved to be little greater than a bump.
“They’ve all come again properly, fortunately, as a result of we have had misfortunes currently,” Xavi stated about his males reporting for membership obligation unscathed.
“I am apprehensive as a result of they’re getting back from the nationwide staff and so they have to return to ‘membership mode’. We will concentrate on the league. We wish to and we imagine we are able to battle for it.”
Going right into a La Liga conflict eight factors behind bitter rivals Actual Madrid, Barca will tinker with the protection which saved a clear sheet on the Metropolitano.
It’s nonetheless spearheaded by Ter Stegen, however Joao Cancelo is available in at left again for Hector Fort.
Jules Kounde stays the correct again, as Ronald Araujo is rested for Inigo Martinez to associate current Spain debutant Pau Cubarsi within the coronary heart of the again line.
In midfield, an Andreas Christensen with an achilles niggle sits this one out as Ilkay Gundogan retreats as a pivot and offers assist to captain Sergio Roberto and Fermin Lopez.
On the entrance line, a Lamine Yamal who was glorious towards Brazil midweek is available in for the Selecao’s proper winger Raphinha.
He does not lose his place totally, although, and groups ups with Robert Lewandowski and Lamine whereas Joao Felix is snubbed.