Hansi Flick, the German coach, is determined to secure a win against Espanyol to further delight his supporters in what has been an almost flawless season. Flick is focused and avoids any distractions or complacency as he prepares to field his strongest lineup, acknowledging the intrinsic rivalry that comes with facing Espanyol and the special motivation from both the club and fans for this derby.
This match also highlights a rich history of player transfers between the two Catalan clubs, with numerous notable names having played for both Espanyol and Barcelona. This context adds an extra layer of significance to the upcoming match.
Flick is expected to implement a well-recognized starting eleven, although there may be some notable changes. Andreas Christensen is likely to step in as a central defender, substituting for Íñigo Martínez, who is suspended, while Alejandro Balde may take the left-back position over Gerard Martín. Additionally, there’s a possibility that Robert Lewandowski, who has not started since his injury three weeks ago, could make an appearance, particularly following Ferran Torres’ recent emergency appendectomy.
The predicted lineup for Thursday’s match at 21:30 in Montjuïc includes Wojciech Szczesny in goal, maintaining an unbeaten record in La Liga. The defense could consist of Eric García on the right, alongside Cubarsí, Christensen, and Balde, with Ronald Araújo available for substitution. The midfield is anticipated to feature Frenkie de Jong, Pedri—who will reach his 200th official match with Barça—and likely Dani Olmo, with Fermín also in the mix. The attack may include Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, and Lewandowski as the central striker.
On the bench, Flick has several effective substitutes at his disposal, including Marc Casadó, Gavi, and Pau Víctor.
This atmosphere of anticipation and rivalry provides an exciting backdrop for the upcoming match, and fans are encouraged to engage by commenting on the articles and subscribing for updates.