Possible Line-Ups: RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona

Matchday 18 On Saturday, January 3rd, starting at 9:00 PM, ELDERBI DE BARCELONA will take place at the RCDE Stadium. The historic local rivalry between the two teams brings the city of Barcelona to a standstill. To face this duel, the managers will look to field their players in the best form. Manolo González and Hansi Flick will present their strongest sides for RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and FC Barcelona, respectively.

Possible RCD Espanyol line-up against FC Barcelona

The home team wants to win to give their fans their first joy of the new year and further establish themselves in the Champions League positions. Therefore, Manolo González will not hold anything back. The regular starters will be in the lineup seeking to end the winless streak against their rivals. Puado could return to the squad, although he is unlikely to make the starting lineup, as is Ramón Terrats. Pickel is unavailable, as he is with DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Thus, the possible RCD Espanyol lineup against FC Barcelona could consist of Dmitrović, with Calero and Cabrera as center-backs and El Hilali and Carlos Romero on the wings. Urko González and Pol Lozano could repeat as a double pivot, while Edu Expósito would act as the playmaker. Dolan and Pere Milla would be on the wings, and Roberto (with Kike García as an alternative) would be the offensive reference.

Possible FC Barcelona line-up against RCD Espanyol

As for FC Barcelona, Flick also has some players unavailable. They will not be able to count on Christensen and Gavi due to long-term injuries, and the return of Dani Olmo seems premature. Pedri is also a doubt, although it appears he will play, as is Araujo.

Thus, the possible FC Barcelona starting eleven against RCD Espanyol could be formed by Joan Garcia in goal on his return to Cornellá, with Koundé and Balde as full-backs and the doubt of whether Eric or Gerard Martín will be placed alongside Cubarsí in the center of defense. In midfield, Eric or De Jong will be the pivot alongside Pedri with Fermín as the playmaker, with options also for Rashford. In attack, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will occupy the wings, with the main doubt being whether the reference will be Ferran Torres or if Lewandowski will return to the starting lineup.