Barça's big Espanyol doubt: Ivan Rakitic or Andre Gomes?
Luis Enrique must decide who to pick alongside Busquets and Iniesta in the derby
Ivan Rakitic or Andre Gomes? That's Luis Enrique big dilemma ahead of Sunday's derby against Espanyol. With Andres Iniesta back and Sergio Busquets re-finding his form, the Barcelona coach must choose between the Croatian and the Portuguese to complete his three-man midfield at Camp Nou. Rakitic has more weight but Gomes' role has increased in recent weeks, so it's difficult to predict which player will start.
Since he signed for Barça, Croatian midfielder Rakitic has been a regular for Lucho. And as of today, there's no reason to think he will not be. It's true, however, that he's not been in form in recent weeks and appears fatigued, something which is worrying considering we are only in December. To 'protect' him during his dip, his minutes have been closely managed.
The big winner in that regard has been Andre Gomes. In addition, the injury to Iniesta opened the doors to the first team even wider for a short period. In Pamplona, with all midfielder fit and available, everything suggested Rakitic would return to the side with Andes, but the chosen man to accompany the club captain was Gomes. And at El Sadar he demonstrated he's slowly adapting to the side.
Now, the big doubt is whether Luis Enrique will stick with him or if he will return Rakitic to the starting lineup. Keeping in mind the Croatian is more than adapted to the team's movements and tactics, it wouldn't be strange to see Lucho opt to give Gomes some more 'integration' time. Everything, of course, with an objective: To reach the final stage of the season with all the new signings -- Umtiti, Digne, Gomes, Denis, Alcacer -- familiar with the team's system.
The other doubt, although not such a big one, is in the middle of defence. Javier Mascherano is favourite to start with Gerard Pique, although Samuel Umtiti is an option, too. The fact that it's a derby makes the Argentine, more experienced, more likely to start on Sunday.
The rest of the team pickes itself: Ter Stegen in goal, Sergi Roberto and Alba as full-backs and the MSN up front.
