Barça seeks to deal a lethal blow to LaLiga
The Catalans want to forget the ‘KO’ butler against Girona and take advantage of Real Madrid’s setback
MADRID, 9 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
FC Barcelona will try to take advantage of this Monday in the Catalan derby against Girona at the Spotify Camp Nou (9:00 p.m. / DAZN), in the last game of the twenty-eighth day of LaLiga Santander, the stumble of Real Madrid, precisely its executioner this week in the Copa del Rey, to further establish himself in the lead and take another step towards his twenty-seventh league title.
The surprising victory of Villarreal on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu (2-3), where the team led by ex-Barcelona Quique Setién had to neutralize the white advantage on two occasions, prevented Carlo Ancelotti’s team from putting pressure on the Catalans and getting closer to nine points.
Thus, the distance continues at 12 units, which could be 15 if Xavi Hernández’s men add their fifth consecutive league victory against Girona, whom they already beat in the first round in Montilivi with a goal from Pedri (0-1).
The victories in the domestic competition against Valencia (1-0), Athletic Club (0-1), Real Madrid (2-1) and Elche (0-4) consolidated their leadership, and only the debacle of the Clásico butler, with a 0-4 loss in the semifinal leg at home that will prevent them from playing in the final, upset the good progress of the culé team.
Despite everything, the Copa del Rey is already forgotten and all efforts are focused on the domestic competition, where this Monday they have a golden opportunity to get closer to the title with only ten days to go.
To do this, the Barça coach will not be able to count on the injured Pedri, Ousmane Dembélé, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong, which again will force him to modify the eleven. Men like Franck Kessié or Marcos Alonso could leave the initial team to give entry to Ansu Fati and Eric García.
The Catalan central defender could share the axis of the defense with Ronald Araujo, while Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, or Jordi Alba, are expected to occupy the wings. With Sergio Busquets as a pivot, Sergi Roberto and Gavi could accompany him in midfield, and up front Raphinha and Ansu Fati will form the attack trident with the Polish Robert Lewandowski.
Opposite, Girona goes to the derby in a relatively comfortable situation. His 34 points keep him seven above the relegation zone and eleven above the European positions, all after interrupting a three-match winless streak with his 2-1 win against Espanyol.
The good news for Míchel is the reincorporation of Aleix García, who has overcome a hamstring injury, although he will still have to regret several absences at the Camp Nou.
Reinier Jesus will have to serve the second of his two games of suspension and will not be available, nor will the injured Yangel Herrera, Ibrahima Kébé, Alexander Callens and Joel Roca.
DATASHEET.
–POSSIBLE ALIGNMENTS:
FC BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Kound, Araujo, Eric Garcia, Bucket; Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Gavi; Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Lewandowski.
GIRONA: Gazzaniga; Arnau, Bueno, David López, Javi Hernández; Romeu, Aleix García, Iván Martín; Tsygankov, Riquelme and Taty Castellanos.
–REFEREE: Mateu Lahoz (C.Valenciano).
–STADIUM: Spotify Camp Nou.