Barcelona went back to the top of La Liga last weekend, and they will be aiming to stay there as they go for victory against Las Palmas. The Catalans were shocked in the reverse fixture at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys back in November as the Gran Canarias secured a famous 2-1 victory, so they will be out for revenge on this occasion.
It has been a fantastic start to 2025 for Barcelona, who have won 10 of their 12 matches in all competitions (D2) since the beginning of January. They will be aiming to make it 11 from 13 on Saturday, and they face a side that have lost five of their six in La Liga.
Despite this, Hansi Flick is prepared to take no chances in Gran Canaria, although he is expected to make changes to the side that defeated Rayo Vallecano on Monday. As per Sport, recalls are expected for Jules Kounde (who was benched last time out for disciplinary reasons), Ronald Araujo and Fermin Lopez, and this would see Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi and Gavi drop to the bench.
Las Palmas are hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Mallorca, and they are boosted with the return of Dario Essugo. The midfielder, who is on loan from Sporting CP, has missed the last three matches due to suspension, but he is available to face Barcelona, and head coach Diego Martinez is expected to put him back in the line-up immediately.
Sandro Ramirez was also suspended last time out, and he is expected to return to the team against his former club to partner Alberto Moleiro and Ollie McBurnie in attack. On the other hand, key defender Scott McKenna is banned for this one after picking up his fifth booking of the season in La Liga against Mallorca, with youngster Juanma Herzog set to be his replacement.
It should be an interesting match-up in Gran Canaria. Barcelona are big favourites to secure another victory in pursuit of the La Liga title, but despite their poor form, Las Palmas cannot be ruled out – especially at home.
