At a glance
- FC Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga is now six points.
- However that can be re-extended to nine points by beating Celta Vigo at the Spotify Camp Nou.
- FC Barcelona Expected Line up: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Gerard, Cancelo; Eric, Pedri, Olmo; Lamine, Ferran, Fermin
FC Barcelona can re-extended their lead at the La Liga summit to nine points by beating Celta Vigo in a late night match at the Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The fixture kicks off half an hour later than usual, at 21.30 local time. With Sant Jordi celebrated in Catalonia the day after, Culers will be in a good mood made better by a Barca win.
Standing in their path is sixth-placed Celta Vigo. While the Galicians want to seal European qualification, and are under threat all the way down to ninth place where three points (44 to 41) separate themselves and Athletic Club.
Real Madrid put pressure on Hansi Flick’s men by overcoming Alaves 2-1 in the Bernabeu. Ahead of the Clasico on May 10, the Catalans need to keep their momentum and winning the title at Los Blancos’ expense remains possible that way.
Barcelona’s defence takes a similar shape
Suspended for the Champions League quarterfinal second leg, Pau Cubarsi returns tonight to partner Gerard Martin, in the heart of the back line.
Joao Cancelo continues to keep Alejandro Balde out of the picture at left back. On the right, Jules Kounde faces minimal competition from Ronald Araujo or Xavi Espart.
Neither Frenkie de Jong nor an improving Gavi will partner Pedri. Those duties go to Eric Garcia instead to provide a calm head and stability.
With Fermin Lopez on the left wing bad news to Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo can be the CAM. He’ll continue what has been his best season so far in Blaugrana.
Fresh off winning at the Laureus Awards, Lamine Yamal is on the right wing. Ferran gets picked to be the striker, while Robert Lewandowski tastes the bench.
FC Barcelona Expected Line up: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Gerard, Cancelo; Eric, Pedri, Olmo; Lamine, Ferran, Fermin
