Having just pulled off a dramatic comeback victory against Celta Vigo last Saturday, Barcelona returns to action against Mallorca on Tuesday in an attempt to keep their four-point advantage at the top of La Liga ahead of next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
As the title race heats up and with a Champions League semifinal on their minds, manager Hansi Flick is dealing with something of a fine balancing act: putting out a competitive team while saving legs for what are undeniably much more pivotal fixtures.
The fatigue has become concerning for Barcelona, and Hansi Flick has even been forced to admit that rotations will now be needed ahead of Saturday’s Clásico cup final and next week’s European confrontation with Inter Milan, according to 90min.
Expect players, who are lower down in the pecking order, to take their chance against Mallorca in the middle of a three-game week, as they try and extend their lead at the top of the table to 7 points before Real Madrid travel to Getafe.
Despite Mallorca travelling with a severely depleted squad, which is missing six players, and only two losses in their last ten outings, they have shown impressive defensive performances and with the visitors will not come easy.
Mallorca’s 5-3-2 set up is mainly based on compact defending, but the good thing is Barcelona thrashed them 5-0 in the reverse fixture in December.
The hosts are unlikely to roll out a similar lineup as that match, and in the same respect, will also park the bus.
There may be multiple rotations in the lineup, but the match will require patience and precision.
A win would not only keep the pressure on Madrid in the title chase, but it would improve morale going into the final stretch of fixtures that will define the season.
For Barcelona, this is more than just three points, it’s about maintaining the momentum in the pursuit of a treble.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Fort, Araujo, Cubarsí, Martín; Eric, Gavi, de Jong, Raphinha, Yamal, Ferran
Mallorca (5-4-1): Greif; Morey, Valjent, Raillo, Copete, Mojica; Sánchez, Mascarell, Samu, Darder; Larin
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