It’s derby day in Catalunya as Espanyol get ready to host Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium for gameweek 24 of La Liga. Xavi has made just the one change to his starting lineup from the win against Atletico Madrid last week.
Sergino Dest slots in for the suspended Dani Alves at right-back, while Jordi Alba continues to provide cover on the left side of the back-four. Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo will hope to build on a strong partnership in recent weeks as they retain their places in central defence.
This back four will have the responsibility to guard Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who dons the glove yet again.
In midfield, Sergio Busquets takes the responsibility at defensive midfield, flanked by the brilliant Pedri on the right and Frenkie de Jong on the right side.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was rumoured as a starter, but it looks like he’ll have to wait for that opportunity a bit longer as there are no changes in the frontline.
Gavi starts on the left-wing, with the intention of creating overloads in midfield. Adama Traore will be looking to recreate his showing vs Atletico Madrid tonight at right-wing, while Ferran Torres spearheads the attack.
Barcelona XI: ter Stegen; Dest, Pique, Araujo, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, de Jong; Adama, Torres, Gavi
