Barcelona went back to the top of La Liga last weekend and they will want to stay if they go for the victory against Las Palmas. The Catalans were shocked in the reverse fixture at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Company in November when the Gran Canarias ensured a famous 2-1 victory, so they will take revenge on this occasion.
It is a fantastic start of 2025 for Barcelona, who have won 10 of their 12 games in all games (D2) since the beginning of January. They will strive to make it 11 of 13 on Saturday, and they are confronted with a side that has lost five of their six in La Liga.
Nevertheless, Hansi Flick is willing not to take opportunities in Gran Canaria, although he is expected to make changes in the side that defeated Rayo Vallecano on Monday. According to the sport, recalls are expected for Jules Kounde (who was the last time -out for disciplinary reasons), Ronald Arajo and Fermin Lopez, and this would see Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi and Gavi fall to the couch.
Las Palmas hopes to bounce back from last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Mallorca, and they are stimulated with the return of Dario Essugo. The midfielder, who is on loan from Sporting CP, missed the last three games because of the suspension, but he is available to Barcelona, and head coach Diego Martinez is expected to place him back in the line-up.
Sandro Ramirez was also suspended the last time, and he is expected to return to the team against his former club for partner Alberto Moleiro and Ollie McBurnie in attack. On the other hand, important defender Scott McKenna is banned for this after picking up his fifth booking of the season in La Liga against Mallorca, with younger Juanma Herzog who is his replacement.
It should be an interesting match in Gran Canaria. Barcelona are big favorites to achieve a new victory in the pursuit of the La Liga title, but despite their poor shape, Las Palmas cannot be excluded – especially at home.
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