Barça look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga as they travel to Martínez Valero this Saturday.
La Liga leaders FC Barcelona travel to Elche this Saturday, looking to maintain their slim one-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid. Following a dominant midweek Champions League display against Copenhagen, Hansi Flick’s side shifts focus back to domestic duties for this Matchday 22 clash.
Team News: De Jong’s Boost and Injury Woes
The biggest boost for the Blaugrana is the return of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch playmaker missed the midweek fixture but is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Fermín López and Dani Olmo.
However, Flick still faces a depleted squad. Key figures Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen remain sidelined in the medical room, forcing adjustments in the defensive line.
❝Pedri está a mitad de la recuperación. Gavi y Christensen entrenan cada día más. Tengo un buen equipo y también contamos con jugadores del filial que tienen un buen nivel. Confío en ellos.❞
🗣️ Hansi Flick sobre el equipo y las lesiones pic.twitter.com/73o1Qs0i5w
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 30, 2026
The Attack: Will Lewandowski Rest?
While the quartet of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski has been lethal, rumors from Mundo Deportivo suggest a potential shake-up. Flick may opt to give Ferran Torres a start in the ‘number 9’ role to manage Lewandowski’s workload ahead of a congested February schedule.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Éric García, Balde; De Jong, Fermín López, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski (or Ferran Torres), Raphinha.
Elche (3-4-3): Iñaki Peña; Affengruber, Pedrosa, Pétrot; Yago Santiago, Aguado, Martim Neto, Mendoza; Diangana, Valera, Álvaro Rodríguez.
Match Info & How to Watch
- Kick-off: Saturday, Jan 31st – 17:00 (Local / CET)
- Venue: Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium
- TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (US), Disney+ (Brazil), LaLiga TV (UK)
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
