Barcelona play their second La Liga match in just four days when they host local rivals Girona on Sunday.
Hansi Flick’s side managed an impressive 3-0 victory over Osasuna on Thursday, the game having been rearranged for this week following the death of Barca’s team doctor.
The Blaugrana made light work of the absence of some key players following the international break to claim an important three points in what is proving to be one of Europe’s best title races this season.
Girona’s campaign has been somewhat disappointing, but they remain in contention to finish in the European places. However, a few absentees from their squad this weekend, coupled with a run of form that has seen them win just twice in 2025, means they will be up against it when they face their Catalan neighbours.
Barca hold a three-point lead at the top of the standings heading into this weekend, but Real Madrid could be level with them on 63 points by the time of this fixture. Atletico Madrid are also very much still in the hunt.
With a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg to come early next month, this could prove a pivotal few days in their season.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Barcelona vs. Girona lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Barcelona should have Raphinha, Ronaldo Araujo and Pau Cubarsi back again after the trio were given extra rest following the international break. Robert Lewandowski should return to the starting lineup following his goal-scoring cameo off the bench on Thursday.
Given the quick turnaround, Flick may be tempted to rotate the team a little. Fermin Lopez could come in for Dani Olmo, who has suffered an adductor injury and is facing up to three weeks out. Meanwhile, one of Gavi or Pedri will likely sit to make way for Raphinha’s return. Inigo Martinez, whose involvement against Osasuna is the subject of a complaint by the club, may also be given a rest.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde — F. Lopez, De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Injured: Ter Stegen (knee), Casado (knee), Bernal (knee), Christensen (calf), Olmo (adductor)
Suspended: None
MORE: Lewandowski leads Mbappe in La Liga Golden Boot race
Former Barca striker Abel Ruiz, who has been out since February 8 with an injury, has reportedly been working hard this week in a bid to be fit for Sunday’s game.
Oriol Romeu is ineligible to face his parent club by the terms of his loan deal, while Ivan Martin is out injured, meaning Michel has some decisions to make in midfield. Arthur Melo could start against his old club, particularly with Yangel Herrera suffering from fatigue after the international break.
David Lopez is expected to return to the heart of the defence, which could see Daley Blind move to left-back and Miguel Gutierrez join Arthur in midfield. Donny van de Beek is banned for this weekend.
Girona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Gazzaniga (GK) — A. Martinez, D. Lopez, Krejci, Blind — Arthur, Gutierrez — Tsygankov, Asprilla, Groeneveld — Miovski
Injured: Martin (thigh), Ruiz (doubt), Yangel Herrera (fatigue, doubt)
Suspended: Van de Beek (yellow-card accumulation)
Ineligible: Romeu
Barcelona vs. Girona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
