FC Barcelona faces a tough test on its visit to UD Las Palmas, a team that since the arrival of ex-azulgrana García Pimienta to the island bench has defended and exhibited the same playing philosophy.
Seven points away from the leaders Real Madrid and Girona are a lot for a team, that of Xavi Hernández, who cannot afford any more setbacks if they want to be a real alternative in the second round of the championship. Already registered, Vitor Roque will be on the bench, with little chance of making his debut today with only four training sessions.
Regarding the match against Almería, Xavi recovers Frenkie de Jong after serving a one-match suspension. The Dutchman returns to the starting lineup in a midfield in which Gündogan seems immovable. The remaining position is occupied by Sergi Roberto.
The main new features are on the defensive and attacking lines. Ferran Torres replaces Joao Félix on the left flank of the attack alongside Lewandowski and Raphinha while in the axis of defense Jules Koundé is chosen ahead of Andreas Christensen. Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde occupy the right and left sides.
The FC Barcelona eleven: Iñaki Peña; Cancelo, Araújo, Koundé, Bucket; Gündogan, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Lewandowski.
Las Palmas, with several players with a Barça past in its squad such as Mika Mármol, Marc Cardona, Sandro and Munir, is having a great season although it will not be able to count on right-back Julián Araujo this Thursday, on loan from the Barça team. Attacker Alberto Moleiro does play, although he has not recovered from the dislocation of his right shoulder that he suffered in the match against Cádiz.
Kirian Rodríguez also plays, after serving a suspension match in San Mamés against Athletic (1-0), with a loss in overtime in the clash that closed 2023 for the yellows, as well as central defender Saúl Coco, with permission to play this match before joining the Equatorial Guinea team to play in the Africa Cup.
The eleven of UD Las Palmas: Valles; Alex Suárez, Coco, Mika Màrmol, Sergi Cardona; Perrone, Kirian, Javi Muñoz; Munir, Sandro and Moleiro.
