After enduring a stuttering end to 2023, Barcelona are at serious risk of relinquishing their La Liga crown.
Barca desperately need to enjoy a resurgence in 2024, and they start the new year away at mid-table Las Palmas.
Nothing came easy to Xavi’s side during the first half of 2023/24, and they barely got over the line against bottom-of-the-table Almeria to round off the year. Despite that triumph, the La Liga holders trail this season’s pace-setters Real Madrid and Girona.
Thursday’s bout is one Xavi won’t be looking forward to. Las Palmas are stubborn opponents, with their success built off the second-best defensive record in the division. They’ve conceded just 15 goals this term – but have scored only 15 themselves.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Barcelona’s 2024 opener.
Las Palmas vs Barcelona H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
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United Kingdom |
La Liga TV, Viaplay Sports 1 |
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United States |
ESPN+ |
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Canada |
TSN+ |
The hosts don’t have any fresh injury concerns to start the new year.
Their current sidelined stars, Fabio Gonzalez and Alberto Moleiro, are expected to return to action later this month.
There will be some familiar faces for the travelling support as former Barcelona forward Munir El Haddadi is a Las Palmas regular. Manager Garcia Pimienta also featured for the Catalan giants – just once in La Liga – and spent 15 years managing the club’s various youth teams.
Las Palmas predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-5-1): Valles; Araujo, Coco, Marmol, Cardona; Park, Munoz, Perrone, Loiodice, Munir; Kaba.
Pedri suffered yet another injury setback before Christmas and is set to be out until mid-January with a muscle problem. His status for the Spanish Super Cup is in doubt.
Marcos Alonso has undergone back surgery and is set for a couple of months on the sidelines. Inaki Pena will remain in goal with Marc-Andre ter Stegen still sidelined.
Gavi is another long-term absentee, while Inigo Martinez is unlikely to feature on Thursday.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Las Palmas (4-3-3): Pena; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; De Jong, Gundogan, Roberto; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix.
Las Palmas are not a side that set out to merely contain. They like to control the contest with the ball – only Barcelona and Real Madrid average a large share of possession this season.
Their excellent defensive record is a testament to goalkeeper Alvaro Valles, and they’ve already overcome Atletico Madrid on home soil this term. The island outfit have conceded more than a single goal just once all season and Thursday’s game will likely be decided by the finest of margins.
Las Palmas may not boast the firepower to consistently hurt Barca, but they can certainly keep them at arm’s length. However, the winter break may have done Xavi’s side some good, and their freshness should aid them in overcoming Thursday’s hosts.
