All articles from Robin Bairner on FootballCritic

Robin Bairner • RBairner French Football Expert

Football expert specialising in French and Scottish football. Contributor to Goal, Football Index, as well as FootballCritic.

Articles written by Robin Bairner

Predicted XI

Fati to return, Dembele a doubt – How Barcelona could line up against Mallorca

Ansu Fati's season has been impacted by a number of injury issues, but Barca will be boosted by his return this weekend

2 years

Predicted XI

Ancelotti to rotate – How Real Madrid will line up against Espanyol

With Manchester City to come in the Champions League in midweek, expect big changes from Los Blancos as they aim to close out the league title

2 years

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Pedri out - How Barcelona could line up against Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona are seeking to take a firmer grasp of second place in La Liga by defeating Rayo Vallecano on Sunday at Camp Nou

3 years

Predicted XI

Dani Alves and Auba to start - How Barcelona will line up against Osasuna

After a midweek draw with Galatasaray, Barcelona are back in Primera Division action on Sunday against Osasuna

3 years

Predicted XI

Auba to lead the line: How Barcelona will line up against Elche

Barcelona will attempt to maintain their excellent recent form when they face Elche in La Liga on Sunday

3 years

Predicted XI

Dest in, Ferran benched – How Barcelona will line up against Athletic Club

Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Sunday when they play host to Athletic Club at Camp Nou

3 years

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No Pique or Alves – How Barcelona will line up against Valencia

Barcelona face a crucial trip to Valencia in La Liga on Sunday but will be without two experienced defenders

3 years

Predicted XI

Benzema out – How Real Madrid will line up against Villarreal

Karim Benzema is the main absentee for Real Madrid as they travel to face Villarreal in La Liga.

3 years

Predicted XI

Salah to start? - How Liverpool could line up against Leicester

Mohamed Salah is set to make his return for Liverpool after more than a month away on international duty.

3 years

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Covid hits Blues plans – How Chelsea could line up against Wolves

Chelsea have been hit significantly by Covid ahead of their Premier League fixture against Wolves at Molineux on Sunday

3 years

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Memphis, Pique miss out - How Barcelona will line up against Elche

Barcelona are down to the bare bones due to an injury crisis as they tackle Elche at Camp Nou on Saturday

3 years

Predicted XI

Kante to return and Lukaku to start? – How Chelsea could line up against Everton

Chelsea play host to Everton on Thursday as they attempt to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

3 years

Predicted XI

Lukaku returns for Blues - How Chelsea and Man Utd will line up

Chelsea host an injury-hit Manchester United in Premier League action at Stamford Bridge on Sunday

3 years

Predicted XI

No Verratti, Wijnaldum or Herrera – How PSG will line up against Saint-Etienne

PSG will be without Marco Verratti and Gini Wijnaldum when they face Saint-Etienne, but they still have Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

3 years

Predicted XI

Tierney and Odegaard to return – How Arsenal will line up against Newcastle

Arsenal will seek to bounce back from a chastening loss against Liverpool by overcoming Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

3 years

Predicted XI

Dembele to be risked? How Barcelona could line up against Villarreal

Xavi goes into his third match as Barcelona head coach undefeated but facing a major challenge against Villarreal in La Liga

3 years

Predicted XI

Booed Bale ruled out – How will Real Madrid line up against Granada?

Gareth Bale angered Real Madrid fans by picking up a calf injury against Wales in World Cup qualifying, ruling him out of the Granada trip in La Liga.

3 years

Predicted XI

Hopes pinned on Griezmann and Suarez – how Atletico Madrid will line up against Betis

Atletico Madrid's new-look attacking side has drawn successive La Liga matches 2-2 - a record Diego Simeone is looking to improve.

3 years

Predicted XI

Aguero to start again - How Barcelona could line up against Alaves

Barcelona will be under the guidance of temporary boss Sergi Barjuan for Saturday's fixture against Alaves in La Liga.

3 years

Predicted XI

Benzema to lead the line - How Real Madrid could line up against Elche

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti can call upon a strong squad for the Primera Division encounter with Elche on Saturday.

3 years

Predicted XI

No Mbappe and Messi a doubt - How PSG will line up against Lille

Paris Saint-Germain will be without Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and Marco Verratti while they must wait on Lionel Messi ahead of their Ligue 1 match with Lille

3 years

Predicted XI

No Messi, Neymar or Ramos – How will PSG line up against Angers?

Paris Saint-Germain's squad will be stretched for the Ligue 1 visit of Angers to the capital on Friday, with Lionel Messi and Neymar notable absentees.