Official: Barcelona starting lineup against Girona | La Liga

The Olympic Saint Montjuic is set for the evening as Girona make the short trip to Barcelona’s home for the first Catalan derby of the season.

And unlike with Espanyol, this time it’s a clash of two of the best teams in the league, with Girona currently sitting in second place.

Xavi is set to use an unchanged starting lineup for this game after an impressive win against Atletico Madrid last weekend.

With Marc-Andre ter Stegen still out, Inaki Pena starts in goal after two match-winning saves against Diego Simeone’s men. He will be screened by Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen, who start in central defence.

As much as he dislikes playing as a right-back, Jules Kounde will have to do it all over again today as he provides width from one side, while Joao Cancelo takes up the responsibility on the left flank as an inverted full-back.

Barcelona’s midfield seems to be gelling once again as Ilkay Gundogan starts as the base of the trident as the pivot, partnered with Frenkie de Jong. The German put in a 10/10 display vs Atleti, and will hope to replicate much of the same tonight.

Pedri rounds off the midfield as the most advanced participant of the three.

Coming off a match-winning goal, Joao Felix retains his spot in attack off the left wing, while Raphinha continues on the right side.

Robert Lewandowski‘s form has seen much better days, but today is another chance to restart his momentum as the no. 9 in the starting lineup.

🚨 BARÇA XI 🚨
#BarçaGirona pic.twitter.com/RPFEE6hJgF

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 10, 2023

Felix · Lewandowski · Raphinha
de Jong · Gundogan · Pedri
Cancelo · Christensen · Araujo · Kounde
Inaki