Good evening everybody and welcome to another MARCA in English live blog, this time taking you through the LaLiga clash between Las Palmas and Barcelona from the Estadio de Gran Canaria.
The Catalan giants are currently level on points with Real Madrid but head the LaLiga table due to their superior head-to-head record. Meanwhile, Las Palmas find themselves in a relegation battle, sitting in 17th place, tied on points with 18th-placed Valencia.
Las Palmas has endured a difficult LaLiga campaign, registering six wins, five draws, and 13 losses in their 24 matches so far. With only one point from their last six league fixtures, and the team has not won a league game since before the winter break. However, Las Palmas will take confidence from the 2-1 victory over Barcelona earlier in the season, which was one of their best performances of the campaign.
Despite that previous success, their home record remains concerning, with just 13 points from 12 matches, ranking among the lowest in the division. With Barcelona boasting the best away record in LaLiga, it will be a major challenge for Diego Martinez‘s side to contain the league leaders.
Barcelona enters this match in excellent form, having won their last four league games and remaining unbeaten in 12 consecutive matches across all competitions. Their 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in its most recent outing, courtesy of a Robert Lewandowski goal, saw them return to the top of the table.
The Catalan club has also dominated past meetings against Las Palmas, having not lost an away fixture against them since 1991 and remaining unbeaten at the Estadio de Gran Canaria in LaLiga since 1986.
Las Palmas vs Barcelona LIVE – Latest Updates
Las Palmas XI: Cillessen, Viti, Alex Suárez, Mármol, Alex Muñoz, Bajcetic, Javi Muñoz, Essugo, Sandro, McBurnie, Moleiro
Barcelona XI: Szczesny, Koundé, Eric García, Cubarsí, Balde, Casadó, Pedri, Fermín, Lamine, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Las Palmas vs Barcelona Team News
Las Palmas welcomes back Sandro Ramirez, who returns from suspension. Dario Essugo is also available, but Scott McKenna will be sidelined due to suspension. Meanwhile, Marvin Park, Fabio Silva, Marc Cardona, and Adnan Januzaj are all fitness concerns. The team will also be without influential midfielder Kirian Rodriguez, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season following a cancer relapse.
Barcelona remains without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal due to injuries. Fermin Lopez returns from suspension, while Ronald Araujo could make his way back into the starting lineup. Jules Kounde is also set to return at right-back. Frenkie de Jong has worked his way back into the squad’s plans under Hansi Flick, and he is expected to retain his place in midfield.
Las Palmas possible starting XI: Cillessen; Rozada, Suarez, Pelmard, Marmol; Loiodice, Bajcetic; Sandro, Munoz, Moleiro; McBurnie
Barcelona possible starting XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, I Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Gavi, Yamal; Lewandowski
Where to watch Las Palmas vs Barcelona?
For fans in the United Kingdom, Las Palmas vs Barcelona can be seen on Premier Sports and LaLigaTV. Fans in Ireland can tune in via Sky Ireland’s Sports Extra pack.
US-based fans will be able to see Las Palmas vs Barcelona on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
What time does Las Palmas vs Barcelona start?
Las Palmas vs Barcelona is a 21:00 CET kick-off, which is local time in Spain. That means fans in the UK and Ireland will find the game starting at 20:00 GMT.
Fans in the USA can tune in to watch Las Palmas vs Barcelona at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
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