Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez faces a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against RCD Mallorca at the Son Moix Stadium. With key players recovering from injuries, Xavi must decide between patience and urgency, as Barcelona aim to extend their three-match winning streak. Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to start in goal, with Ronald Araujo likely to return to the defense after recovering from a muscle injury. However, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong remain sidelined, forcing Xavi to consider alternatives like Gavi and Sergio Busquets. The match kicks off at 16:15 BST, with Barcelona currently sitting third in the league table, six points behind leaders Real Madrid. RCD Mallorca, meanwhile, are looking to secure their third win of the season, having drawn their last two matches.
Barcelona's Starting XI Under Scrutiny Ahead of Mallorca Showdown
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez faces a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against RCD Mallorca. The Catalan manager must decide whether to persist with the 4-3-3 formation or revert to the 3-5-2 system that served Barcelona well in recent matches.
Injuries complicate Xavi’s decision-making process. Marc-André ter Stegen remains sidelined with a calf injury, leaving Iñaki Peña to continue in goal. Pedri and Sergi Roberto are also unavailable, reducing options in midfield and defence.
Frenkie de Jong’s return to full fitness provides Xavi with a welcome boost. The Dutch midfielder has been sidelined since early April with a thigh injury. His presence adds depth to Barcelona’s midfield options, with Gavi and Sergio Busquets also available.
Defensively, Barcelona may opt for a three-man backline. Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé are expected to start, with Eric Garcia or Andreas Christensen completing the trio. The decision will depend on Xavi’s assessment of Mallorca’s attacking threat.
Up front, Robert Lewandowski is expected to lead the line. The Poland international has scored 23 goals this season, making him Barcelona’s top scorer. His partnership with Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres will be crucial in breaking down Mallorca’s defence.
Barcelona’s starting XI will be announced on Saturday morning. The team will be eager to secure all three points and maintain their push for the La Liga title. Mallorca, meanwhile, will be looking to cause an upset and boost their own survival hopes.
Coach Faces Crucial Selection Dilemmas for Saturday's La Liga Clash
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández faces a significant selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash against RCD Mallorca. The Catalan giants have a packed fixture list, with midweek Champions League commitments adding pressure to his squad rotation decisions.
Marc-André ter Stegen’s availability remains uncertain after the goalkeeper missed recent matches due to a minor injury. Neto has impressed in his absence, but Xavi may opt to rest the Brazilian for Tuesday’s Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The fitness of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong also hangs in the balance. Both players have been struggling with minor issues, and their presence could be pivotal against Mallorca’s resilient defence. Xavi has praised their work ethic but remains cautious about their availability.
Barcelona’s attacking options are in better shape, with Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembélé expected to start. The duo has been in fine form, with Lewandowski netting 12 goals this season. Their partnership could be crucial against Mallorca’s organised backline.
Defensively, Ronald Araújo is likely to retain his place despite Ronald Koeman’s return from injury. The Uruguayan has been a rock at the back, with Xavi favouring his physical presence. Koeman may have to bide his time on the bench for now.
Xavi’s rotation policy has been a topic of debate, but the coach remains steadfast in his approach. “We have to manage the squad carefully,” he stated in a pre-match press conference. “It’s about balancing rest and performance, ensuring we’re at our best for every game.”
Barcelona enter the match on the back of a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad, while Mallorca are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis. The Catalan side will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, with Mallorca aiming to climb out of the relegation zone.
Mallorca's Defensive Strategy Takes Centre Stage Against Barcelona
RCDE Mallorca has set up a defensive strategy to counter FC Barcelona’s attacking prowess ahead of their La Liga clash on Saturday. Manager Javier Aguirre has emphasised the importance of a compact defensive block, focusing on limiting Barcelona’s space and time on the ball.
Mallorca’s backline will be crucial in this approach. Centre-backs Martín Valjent and Matías López will aim to nullify Barcelona’s forwards, with full-backs Dani Rodríguez and Pablo Maffeo providing additional cover. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajković will also play a key role in organising the defence.
Midfield control is another aspect of Mallorca’s strategy. Players like Salvi Sánchez and Dani Rodríguez will look to disrupt Barcelona’s build-up play, pressing high when necessary and dropping deep to protect the defensive line. This dual approach aims to frustrate Barcelona’s midfielders, including Frenkie de Jong and Gavi.
Aguirre has also highlighted the importance of set-pieces. Mallorca will look to capitalise on any defensive lapses from Barcelona, with players like Manu Vallejo and Abdón Prats posing a threat in the air. The manager believes that a well-executed set-piece could be the difference in the game.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will aim to break down Mallorca’s defensive setup. Manager Xavi Hernandez has stressed the need for patience and creativity, urging his players to exploit any gaps in the opposition’s defence. The clash promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams aware of the importance of a positive result.
Injury Concerns Cloud Barcelona's Lineup Plans for Mallorca Test
Barcelona’s preparations for Saturday’s La Liga clash with RCD Mallorca are overshadowed by injury concerns that could disrupt their planned lineup. Manager Xavi Hernandez faces a late fitness test for key players, with three first-team regulars currently sidelined.
Marc-André ter Stegen, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, remains in doubt after picking up a knock during training. The German international has been a mainstay between the posts this season, and his absence would be a significant blow.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong faces a race against time to shake off a minor muscle strain. The Dutchman has been instrumental in Barcelona’s recent resurgence, and his potential absence could force Xavi to reshuffle his pack.
Further concerns arise in defence, where Ronald Araújo is nursing a knock. The Uruguayan has been a rock at the back this season, and his fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the weekend.
Barcelona’s medical team is working tirelessly to have the players fit for the Mallorca test. However, with the game just days away, Xavi may be forced to make some tough calls on his starting XI. The Catalan giants will be hoping for positive news as they aim to maintain their push for the La Liga title.
La Liga Rivals Prepare for Tactical Battle on Saturday Evening
Barcelona and Mallorca prepare for a crucial La Liga encounter on Saturday evening, with both managers facing pivotal lineup decisions. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez must decide whether to persist with the 3-2-3-2 formation that secured a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad last weekend. Meanwhile, Mallorca’s Javier Aguirre will weigh up whether to recall midfielder Salvi Sanchez, who missed the recent 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao through suspension.
Barcelona’s injury concerns centre on Sergio Aguero, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Argentina striker has not played since limping off in the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid on 19 March. Xavi has no other fresh injury worries, with the squad in good shape ahead of the trip to the island.
Mallorca’s main fitness concern is forward Vedat Muriqi, who has been struggling with a muscle issue. The Turkish striker has not featured since the 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on 2 April. Aguirre has no other injury worries, with his squad available for selection.
Barcelona’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five matches. Mallorca, meanwhile, have won just one of their last five league games, drawing two and losing two. The two sides met earlier in the season, with Barcelona emerging 3-0 winners at Camp Nou.
Xavi has been rotating his squad in recent weeks, with the likes of Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri all coming off the bench in the last two matches. Aguirre, meanwhile, has been sticking with the same starting lineup, with only minor tweaks. Both managers will be looking to make the right calls on Saturday evening.
As Barcelona prepares to face Mallorca on Saturday, the spotlight remains on their defensive options. With Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé unavailable, head coach Xavi Hernández must decide between Eric García and Iñaki Peña. The outcome could significantly influence Barcelona’s defensive stability in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Mallorca will be looking to build on their recent form, aiming to secure a crucial point against one of La Liga’s top sides. The clash promises to be a test of Barcelona’s depth and Mallorca’s resilience.
