Barça will be La Liga champions, and all that remains is to set the date. The title could be clinched today, in a matter of hours, if Real Madrid fail to win their match against Mallorca. If Ancelotti’s side, plagued by injuries, manage to pick up three points, Barça will have to win their match against Espanyol in Cornellà. It will be a high-tension derby in which Hansi Flick’s side will be looking to secure the title.
It would not be a first, as it happened a couple of seasons ago when Barça won 2-4 with a brace from Lewandowski and goals from Balde and Jules Koundé. With that result, the Azulgranas clinched the title in the derby and the title celebrations could have ended in drama. The Barça squad gathered in a circle to celebrate the title, which did not go down well with the Espanyol ultras, who invaded the pitch and went after the Barça players. The rapid intervention of security prevented further trouble.
Now the situation is different, and while Barça could arrive as champions or seek to clinch the title in the match, Espanyol is fighting for survival. They are currently out of the relegation zone, but they need to stay there and keep picking up points to ensure their place in the top flight. On the last matchday, they lost to Leganés (3-2), a direct rival in the fight for survival, and they need to keep picking up points to avoid getting into trouble.
Hansi Flick gets players back
In recent weeks, the Barça infirmary has had some illustrious occupants, but in the last few days, players have gradually been returning. The latest are Alejandro Balde, who already enjoyed a few minutes in El Clásico, and Marc Casadó. Only Marc Bernal, Jules Koundé, and Pablo Torre remain in the Blaugrana infirmary. In addition, Iñigo Martínez picked up his fifth yellow card in El Clásico and will have to serve a one-match suspension.
Hansi Flick’s starting eleven is expected to consist of Szczesny in goal, with Alejandro Balde returning to the starting line-up in defense, without Iñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí and Christensen in the center, and Eric García continuing on the right. Frenkie De Jong and Pedri will be in midfield, accompanied by Fermín. The attacking trio will see the return of LRL with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
Possible Barça XI
Goalkeeper: Szczesny
Defense: Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Christensen, Eric García
Midfielders: De Jong, Pedri, Fermín
Forwards: Raphinha, Lewandowski, Lamine
Manolo González and his starting eleven to surprise
Manolo González welcomes back Omar El Hilali, after serving a one-match suspension against Leganés for accumulated cards, and Pol Lozano also returns after recovering from injury.
Possible Espanyol starting XI
Goalkeeper: Joan García
Defense: Omar El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Carlos Romero
Midfielders: Král, Pol Lozano, Urko González
Forwards: Jofre, Roberto, and Puado