Recently promoted Las Palmas entered the winter break after only their second defeat in eight La Liga matches, conceding a disappointing goal in added time and losing to Athletic Bilbao with a score of 0-1. However, it’s heartening that the “Yellow Ones” remain in the top half of the league table ahead of their clash with Barcelona, a club where the current coach, Garcia Pimienta, once began his playing career. Pimienta has the opportunity to script a new chapter for the club in the first encounter between these teams since 2018, as Las Palmas has not won any head-to-head matches since February 1986, marking their longest winless streak in the top division. Nonetheless, their last victory was at home, and a repeat cannot be ruled out, especially as the hosts have won four out of the last six La Liga games at this stadium. Not available today are Lemos, Gonzalez, and Araujo, who cannot play due to a loan agreement.
In 2023, Barcelona concluded the year with a nervy 3-2 victory over Almeria, ending a two-match winless streak in La Liga, which had hindered their title defense. The “Blaugranes” trail their main rival, Real Madrid, by seven points. Moreover, since they managed only two consecutive victories in the last 12 league matches, confidence today might not be at its highest. As the defense of the Spanish Super Cup title approaches, coach Xavi might rotate his team, complicating an already challenging task. Barcelona might remain one of the two La Liga teams that haven’t lost any away games this season, but with four draws in their last five away matches, they could face another tough battle, especially as they had to come from behind in three of their last four encounters. Out of contention today are Alonso, Ter Stegen, Pedri, Gavi, and Martinez, who is dealing with a muscle injury. More soccer prediction can be obtained from the link provided.
