Barcelona starlet set for first senior start vs Granada, veteran midfielder to be rested

With just over an hour left before Barcelona take on Granada in La Liga, Toni Juanmarti of SPORT has provided information regarding the Blaugrana’s potential starting lineup at Los Carmenes.

As per the reliable journalist, youngster Fermin Lopez is all set to make his first-ever senior start for Barcelona tonight against Granada.

The 20-year-old has been in good nick in recent games and has made the most of his limited opportunities under Xavi Hernandez.

In three La Liga appearances this term, Lopez has scored a goal and played a key role in the narrow 1-0 win over Sevilla.

And, it appears that Lopez’s form is set to be rewarded with a start tonight against Granada.

The report also states that Oriol Romeu is set to be benched by manager Xavi to make way for Fermin Lopez.

Romeu’s form has been on the decline in recent games and he put in one of his worst displays of the season against FC POrto earlier this week.

And, as such it makes sense for Xavi to take him out of the firing line. If that is indeed the case, Ilkay Gundogan would likely occupy the pivot midfield position, while Gavi and Fermin start as the two interior midfielders.