Barcelona travel to the Illes Balears to face Mallorca at the Estadi de Son Moix in the seventh round of La Liga, with kick-off scheduled at 9pm local time.
The Blaugrana are currently facing an injury crisis, especially in defence. Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé have been ruled out for three months and a month respectively after picking up injuries while away on international duty. Héctor Bellerín will also not be available as he pulled a muscle during training earlier this week.
Xavi is expected to start Andreas Christensen and Eric García as his centre-back pairing. The Barcelona coach wants to avoid playing Gerard Piqué as much as possible in order to prevent the triggering of a clause that will see his contract extended by a year at the end of the season.
Dutch players Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay are also injured.
AS predict that Xavi will field the following starting XI vs Mallorca: Marc-André ter Stegen – Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Marcos Alonso – Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Gavi – Ansu Fati, Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembélé.
GSFN
