Barcelona kick off the new year with a derby visit to RCDE Stadium against city rivals Espanyol.
The two teams enter this clash riding high on strong performances, as Hansi Flick’s table-topping Barcelona look to maintain their unbeaten record against the hosts – 13 straight encounters without defeat since January 2018.
Flick’s squad has delivered outstanding results all term, pushing their La Liga winning sequence to eight in a row.
They lead the standings on 46 points across 18 outings, with a tally of 15 triumphs, one stalemate, and two setbacks.
The Blaugrana have netted a league-high 51 times this term, despite leaking 20—the most among top-seven outfits.
Barcelona team news
A significant lift awaits Barcelona for the derby, with manager Hansi Flick verifying that Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal are ready and eligible to play. Olmo has fully recovered from the shoulder dislocation he picked up in December. Yamal, absent from Thursday’s session, has now linked up with the group for last preparations.
Pedri should also appear in midfield, having sat out the prior Villarreal fixture due to calf trouble. That said, Andreas Christensen remains sidelined after an ACL tear suffered in recent training.
Elsewhere, Gavi continues an extended absence post-knee surgery. Ronald Araujo, fresh from time away focusing on mental well-being, has rejoined the squad.
Barcelona predicted lineup
Possible Barcelona starting XI: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; F Torres.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 3rd January.
How to watch Espanyol vs Barcelona?
UK supporters can tune in through Disney+.
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