FC Barcelona is preparing to face Las Palmas with four changes to the lineup compared to their previous match against Atletico Madrid. Coach Xavi Hernandez is expecting a tough opponent who plays good football and has praised Las Palmas manager Javier Garcia Pimienta for his work with the team. Xavi emphasized the importance of stealing the ball from their opponents and stated his intention to focus on the league and fight for a better position.
The team has been fortunate to avoid any major injuries, with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffering only a minor knee knock during training. Xavi expressed his concern about the players transitioning back to club mode after the international break but remains optimistic about their chances in the league. Barca currently trails Real Madrid by eight points and is looking to close that gap in the upcoming matches.
For the match against Las Palmas, there will be changes in the defense, with Joao Cancelo replacing Hector Fort at left back. Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi will lead the back line, with Ronald Araujo on rest. In midfield, Andreas Christensen will be sidelined due to an achilles niggle, allowing Ilkay Gundogan to provide support alongside Sergio Roberto and Fermin Lopez. Up front, Lamine Yamal will partner with Robert Lewandowski, while Raphinha is replaced by Yamal, who performed well against Brazil in a recent match.
Xavi’s focus remains on the league and securing victories in the upcoming matches. He is determined to stick to his original decision to step down as head coach at the end of the season and is not swayed by the media or external pressure. The team is gearing up for the Champions League quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain and will use the match against Las Palmas as preparation for the important fixture. Barca will need to continue their strong performance and work together as a cohesive unit to achieve success in the league and in Europe.
Las Palmas is expected to provide a tough challenge to Barcelona, with a style of play that Xavi admires. The team will need to be on top of their game and work to disrupt their opponents to secure a positive result. With key changes in the lineup and a renewed focus on the league, Barcelona is looking to make a statement with a strong performance against Las Palmas. The players are back from international duty and ready to shift their focus back to club football, with Xavi leading the charge towards their goals.
