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Espanyol logo
La Liga | Gameweek 36
May 15, 2025 at 8.30pm UK
RCDE Stadium
Barcelona logo

Espanyol
vs.
Barcelona

Barcelona lineup vs. Espanyol: Predicted XI for La Liga clash with Hansi Flick set to choose Inigo Martinez replacement

Who will replace Martinez? Predicted Barcelona XI vs. Espanyol
© Imago
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Barcelona could line up for Thursday's La Liga clash with Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick will have to decide whether to replace Inigo Martinez with Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen for Thursday's derby clash with Espanyol.

The Blaugrana will enter the game as champions if Real Madrid fail to beat Mallorca on Wednesday, and even if Los Blancos win, Barcelona will clinch the title with a win in the derby.

The visitors will go into Thursday's clash without the services of Inigo Martinez, who will serve a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the league season in Sunday's 4-3 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Araujo and Christensen are the obvious candidates to replace Martinez, and the latter could get the nod after putting in a strong display in his substitute appearance at the weekend.

Christensen was brought on to replace Pau Cubarsi, who should be ready to start against Espanyol despite being forced off with a stomach issue on Sunday.

Eric Garcia will continue to deputise for the injured Jules Kounde at right-back, while Alejandro Balde is set to start at left-back after returning from injury to feature as a substitute in El Clasico.

Pedri and Frenkie de Jong should continue in central midfield, with Dani Olmo set to operate just in front in the number 10 position.

Lamine Yamal will continue to offer the attacking threat from the right flank, with the winger looking to add to the seven goals and 12 assists he has registered in La Liga this season.

Raphinha, who will operate off the left, will be hoping to score in a fourth consecutive game after netting four goals in the last three competitive matches.

Meanwhile, Ferran Torres is set to get the nod over Robert Lewandowski, who is unlikely to be risked due to his recent struggles with a hamstring problem.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Szczesny; Garcia, Christensen, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres

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Written by
Ben Sully
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Who will win Thursday's La Liga clash between Espanyol and Barcelona?

Espanyol
Draw
Barcelona
Espanyol
0.0%
Draw
5.0%
Barcelona
95.0%
20
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona35264595365982
2Real Madrid35236672373575
3Atletico MadridAtletico352010560273370
4Athletic Bilbao351713551262564
5Villarreal351710861471461
6Real BetisBetis351610953431058
7Celta Vigo36157145654252
8Rayo Vallecano351211123742-547
9Mallorca35138143340-747
10Osasuna351015104351-845
11Valencia351112124351-845
12Real Sociedad36127173242-1043
13Sevilla361011154049-941
14GironaGirona36118174253-1141
15Getafe35109163134-339
16Espanyol35109163847-939
17AlavesAlaves35811163547-1235
18Leganes35713153553-1834
19Las PalmasLas Palmas3688204058-1832
RReal ValladolidValladolid3644282686-6016


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