The final Catalan derby of the season will take place at Camp Nou tomorrow. League leaders Barcelona will face city rivals Espanyol in a crucial La Liga match. With only eight games remaining, Barça sits comfortably at the top of the table with a seven-point lead. Espanyol, on the other hand, arrives in 10th place and has not won in their last five matches.
Despite the difference in form and standings, a derby is never predictable. Pride, intensity, and physical play are guaranteed whenever these two teams clash.
Barcelona heads into the match with one eye on the upcoming second leg against Atlético Madrid in the Spanish capital. This upcoming fixture is influencing player selections, and several key players might be rested or play limited minutes.
One key piece of good news for Barça is the return of an important player to training, though he is only expected to play for less than 45 minutes as the coaching staff manages his fitness before the European clash.
Joan García is expected to start in goal.
In defense, Pau Cubarsí will likely start alongside Ronald Araújo. Cubarsí cannot play in the next Champions League match because of a controversial red card, making this a good chance for him to participate. Araújo’s physicality will be essential for dealing with Espanyol’s aggressive attack.
Alejandro Balde, who had a short appearance against Atlético, is likely to return to the starting lineup at left-back. On the right side, Jules Koundé may be rested for the upcoming European game, giving Eric García the opportunity to start at right-back in this derby.
Even though Barcelona’s main midfielders are fit, the strategy seems to involve rotation. Gavi and Marc Casadó are expected to play together in the double pivot, bringing energy and defensive support against Espanyol’s strong midfield.
If Frenkie de Jong gets medical clearance, he may be saved for the second leg in Madrid. Dani Olmo is also likely to be rested for that game, which could allow Fermín López to start in the number 10 position, providing creativity and movement.
Lamine Yamal gave his all in the last match against Atlético and is said to be physically worn out. Therefore, Rooney is expected to start on the right wing. On the left, Marcus Rashford will probably keep his position as he aims to build confidence and improve his finishing ahead of the Champions League match.
Robert Lewandowski is expected to be rested, giving Ferran Torres the chance to lead the attack in this intense derby.
Expected Barcelona Lineup : Joan García ,Eric García ,Araújo , Cubarsí ,Balde ,Gavi ,Casadó ,Fermín López ,Rashford ,Rooney ,Ferran Torres