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On Friday evening, FC Barcelona kicks off the 28th matchday against Mallorca at the Lluís Companys Stadium with the aim of not faltering again which would distance themselves even further from the top spot. Xavi Hernández’s team let slip a magnificent opportunity to close the gap on Real Madrid and Girona after their goalless draw at San Mamés.

The Blaugrana team hasn’t given up on the league title, and the message within the dressing room is that they must fight until the very end. They will face a Mallorca side arriving at Montjuïc in high spirits and with great confidence after qualifying for the Copa del Rey final and defeating Girona, the second-placed team. The Balearic side is battling to move further away from the relegation zone.

For this match, Xavi Hernández will not be able to count on the injured Balde, Marcos Alonso, Gavi, Pedri, and De Jong, in addition to the suspended Araújo, who received his fifth yellow card against Athletic. The coach will also be unable to manage the match from the bench for the same reason. Given the numerous absences in midfield, Xavi will need to adjust his tactics, and it is very likely that he will revert to playing with three forwards up front.

Why Barça are playing on Friday

Considering that next Tuesday the team faces their future in Europe with the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli, there will also be some changes in the starting eleven. Ter Stegen will remain in goal, but on the right flank, the young Héctor Fort could step in to rest Koundé. Sergi Roberto is also an option. The center-back pairing will consist of Cubarsí and Iñígo Martínez, while Cancelo will retain his position on the left.

Midfield is where Barcelona has the most absences, so Xavi has few options to choose from. Gündogan and Fermín will be the midfielders, and Oriol Romeu will return to the pivot position from the start. In recent matches, this position has been occupied by Christensen, who could be rested with an eye on the clash against the Italians.

In the forward line, Joao Félix will regain his starting position on the left, and considering that Lamine Yamal has slight discomfort, Raphinha could start on the right. It cannot be ruled out, by any means, that a young talent from the academy could start. In the center, Lewandowski will play because it is highly unlikely that Xavi will initially trust Vitor Roque, who has not had many opportunities in recent matches.

Barcelona predicted XI

Therefore, the most probable Barcelona lineup to face Mallorca would be as follows: Ter Stegen; Héctor Fort, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Oriol Romeu, Gündogan, Fermín, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Joao Félix.