Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Hoping to extend their stay at the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona will travel to the Estadio Gran Canaria on Saturday night when they meet Las Palmas.
Las Palmas
Starting with the hosts, while Las Palmas might have eventually cling to their La Liga status, Diego Martinez’s men have endured a public top-flight crisis this time around. Opening this weekend’s fixtures with just their goal difference keeping them out of the drop zone, Los Amarillos have shown a string of issues since returning from Spain’s festive break. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they fell to a 3-1 loss away at Mallorca, the former Olympiacos boss has seen his squad muster just a single point from any of their previous six La Liga appearances. Likewise, crashing out of the Copa del Rey on January 5th as they fell to a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Elche, Las Palmas have also gained an unwanted reputation for their defensive issues. In fact, Saturday’s hosts have shipped 18 goals in their previous seven domestic outings across all competitions.
Las Palmas Team News
Once again missing out against Mallorca last weekend, Las Palmas are once again sweating over the fitness of Wolves loanee Fabio Silva on Saturday night. Likewise, not featuring over the past month and still dealing with a calf issue, Marc Cardona will not feature here.
However, after both serving respective domestic bans, the duo of Dario Essugo and one-time Everton striker Sandro Ramirez will return to Martinez’s squad. Former Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna will start at the back.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have signed off 2024 in the midst of a minor blip, Hansi Flick’s side have come roaring back in some style. Finding a route back to the top of the La Liga table, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure on February 6th as they stormed their way to a 5-0 romp away at Valencia, the Spanish giants are riding a major wave of momentum. Crowned Super Cup champions last month as they claimed a famous 5-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona have not suffered a single defeat across any competition since returning from Spain’s festive break. Looking to extend their stay at the top of the La Liga standings this weekend, Saturday’s guests should be smelling a real opportunity here.
Barcelona Team News
Not making a single appearance since the end of September, German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. Likewise, academy graduate Marc Bernal is set to miss the remainder of the campaign with his own respective knee issue.
Bagging the winner against Rayo Vallecano on Monday night and notching a 20th La Liga strike of the season, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will lead Flick’s attack. Former RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo could make a first start since January 15th.
Las Palmas vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Las Palmas and Barcelona met for their reverse La Liga showdown on November 30th, Los Amarillos secured an iconic 2-1 victory in Catalonia.
- However, Las Palmas have collected just a single point from any of their previous six La Liga appearances.
- Barcelona have won each of their last four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-1.
- Flick’s side have not suffered a single defeat across any competition since returning from Spain’s festive break.
- Barcelona have not suffered a single defeat outside of Catalonia since the start of November.
Conclusion
Opening this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona will be desperate to extend on their title charge here. Continuing on a real purple patch since returning from Spain’s festive break, Flick’s side are enjoying what has become quite the purple patch. Although Las Palmas might have claimed an iconic 2-1 victory when they travelled to Catalonia back on November 30th, we are expecting the Spanish giants to claim some immediate revenge on Saturday night.
Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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