Barcelona welcome Racing Santander as leaders seek another Liga victory

FC Barcelona host Racing Santander at Camp Nou in a midweek fixture from the sixth matchday of the Spanish championship, with the Catalan side aiming to maintain its position at the top of the table.

Racing Santander arrive in confident mood after a positive start to their campaign in the top flight, but face a demanding assignment against one of Spain’s leading teams. Both clubs have several selection issues to manage ahead of the game.

Barcelona

FC Barcelona will be without Frenkie de Jong, whose absence from midfield is set to continue. The Catalan club must also cope without young winger Roony Bardghji, who is unavailable for the match.

Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal, with Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen and Joao Cancelo forming the defensive line.

Pedri, Rodri and Fermin Lopez are likely to make up the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Karim Adeyemi are expected to lead the attack.

Barcelona’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Pedri, Rodri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi

Racing Santander

Racing Santander will also be missing important players for the trip to Camp Nou. Andres Martin and Simon Eriksson remain in recovery and are not expected to feature.

The visitors will additionally be without Andre Almeida, who is suspended for the fixture.

Julen Agirrezabala is set to start in goal. Alvaro Mantilla, Pablo Ramon, Jeanuel Belocian and Jorge Salinas are the likely defenders.

Maguette Gueye, Sergio Canales and Matteo Prati could operate in midfield, with Pablo Garcia, Yassir Zabiri and Inigo Vicente forming the attacking trio.

Racing Santander’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Julen Agirrezabala

Defenders: Alvaro Mantilla, Pablo Ramon, Jeanuel Belocian, Jorge Salinas

Midfielders: Maguette Gueye, Sergio Canales, Matteo Prati

Forwards: Pablo Garcia, Yassir Zabiri, Inigo Vicente

Barcelona’s sixth-matchday meeting with Racing Santander is scheduled to take place shortly. The pre-match odds list Barcelona as strong favourites at 1,06, with the draw priced at 13,00 and a Racing Santander victory at 23,00.