Predicted Teams Las Palmas-Barcelona: Hansi Flick Planning Three Changes

Barcelona returned to the summit of La Liga last weekend and will be determined to stay there with another crucial victory against Las Palmas. The Catalans were left stunned in the reverse fixture at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in November when the Gran Canarias pulled off a shock 2-1 win. This time, however, Hansi Flick’s side is out for revenge and eager to strengthen their grip on the title race.

It has been a phenomenal start to 2025 for Barcelona, with the team securing 10 wins out of 12 matches in all competitions since the beginning of January, drawing the other two. With such impressive momentum, Flick’s men will be aiming to make it 11 victories from 13 as they head into Saturday’s clash. Meanwhile, their opponents, Las Palmas, have been struggling, losing five of their last six league matches, a trend that will only embolden Barcelona.

Despite Las Palmas’ poor form, Flick is not underestimating the challenge at hand. The German tactician is expected to make three changes from the side that secured a solid victory against Rayo Vallecano on Monday. According to reports from Sport, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Fermin Lopez are all set to return to the starting XI. This means that Hector Fort, Pau Cubarsi, and Gavi will likely start from the bench as Barcelona look to maintain freshness and tactical balance in the squad.

Jules Kounde’s return is particularly significant, considering he was benched last time out due to disciplinary reasons. The French defender will be eager to prove a point and solidify his position in the starting lineup. Alongside him, Ronald Araujo will bring defensive solidity, while Fermin Lopez’s dynamism in midfield is expected to add an extra dimension to Barcelona’s attacking play.

On the other hand, Las Palmas will be looking to bounce back from their recent 3-1 defeat to Mallorca. They will take encouragement from their previous triumph over Barcelona and hope to cause another upset at the Estadio de Gran Canaria. One major boost for them is the return of Dario Essugo, who has missed the last three matches due to suspension. The midfielder, on loan from Sporting CP, is available again and is expected to go straight into the starting lineup.

Another returning figure for Las Palmas is Sandro Ramirez, who was also suspended for their previous match. The former Barcelona forward is expected to line up alongside Alberto Moleiro and Ollie McBurnie in attack, forming a trio that could test Barcelona’s defense. However, Las Palmas will have to cope without key defender Scott McKenna, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Mallorca. In his absence, young Juanma Herzog is likely to step in as his replacement.

This match is expected to be an engaging tactical battle. Barcelona, being the favorites, will seek to impose their dominance early on. Flick has instilled a structured yet fluid style of play, ensuring that Barcelona can control possession and press high up the pitch. The key battle will be in midfield, where the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong will be pivotal in breaking down Las Palmas’ defensive setup.

Las Palmas, on the other hand, will rely on a compact defensive structure and quick transitions. With Barcelona’s high defensive line, they could look to exploit the spaces left behind using the pace and movement of Moleiro and Ramirez. If they can remain disciplined at the back, they might find opportunities on the counterattack.

One key player to watch for Barcelona will be Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker has been in fine form in recent weeks, leading the line with authority and precision. His ability to find space in tight areas and convert chances will be crucial in breaking down Las Palmas’ defensive resilience.

For Las Palmas, much will depend on how Dario Essugo and Kirian Rodriguez manage the midfield. If they can disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm and limit the supply to the front line, they might have a fighting chance of securing at least a point from this encounter.

As the match approaches, the psychological edge also plays a role. Barcelona will undoubtedly have revenge on their minds, having suffered an unexpected defeat in the previous meeting. Flick will use this as motivation to ensure his side remains focused and relentless in their pursuit of another three points.

Looking at the overall league standings, Barcelona are tied on points with Real Madrid at the top, with both teams having accumulated 51 points from 24 matches. Any slip-up at this stage could prove costly, making this fixture even more significant in the title race. Meanwhile, Las Palmas find themselves battling at the lower end of the table, sitting in 17th place with just 23 points. They will be desperate to salvage something from this match to aid their survival hopes.

With all factors considered, this promises to be an exciting encounter. Barcelona’s firepower and tactical superiority make them favorites, but Las Palmas’ determination, coupled with their home advantage, ensures that this will be no straightforward task for the league leaders. The stage is set for an intense battle in Gran Canaria, where Flick’s men will look to continue their march towards La Liga glory.