Barcelona will be looking to maintain their hundred percent win record when they face Levante at home this week.
The La Liga champions have started the season slowly in terms of performance, but Luis Enrique’s side has won all of their first three games despite looking rusty. Barcelona’s habit of grinding out results even when they are not at their best is not good news for rivals, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Both Madrid clubs will be hoping to close the gap with the Catalan giants this week.
Meanwhile, Levante are still without a win this season, drawing two of their opening games and losing the other.
Barcelona’s fearsome trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar has already scored this season and they will be hoping to replicate their form from last season against a winless Levante side.
Match: Barcelona vs. Levante
League: La Liga
Date: Sunday, September 20th
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Time: 2:30 p.m. EST/19:30 GMT
Live Stream: BeIN Sports (US)/Sky Sports 5
Barcelona team news
Midfielder Rafinha is out of the game with an ACL injury and will be sidelined for the next few months. Busquets, Rakitic and Iniesta are set to continue in the midfield supporting the trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez.
Sergi Roberto is set to continue as the right back. Mascherano and Mathieu are expected to be the two centre backs, following Gerard Pique’s domestic suspension. Jordi Alba will continue at left back.
Vermaelen, Douglas, Alves and Bravo will join Rafinha on the injury list.
Levante team news
David Navarro has been passed fit for the Barcelona game, but Levante are unlikely to change any of their defensive options. Simao is set to sit out the third match of his ban, with Ivan Lopez the only injury absentee for Levante.
FC Barcelona possible lineup
(4-3-3 formation): ter Stegen; Alba, Vermaelen, Mascherano, Roberto; Iniesta, Busquets, Rakitic; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Levante possible lineup
(5-3-2 formation): Ruben; Tono, Juanfran, Feddal, Trujillo, Morales; Verza, Mari, Camarasa; Deyverson, Ghilas
Key Stats
Barcelona have scored at least 4 goals in their last 4 matches against Levante in all competitions.
Barcelona have won their last 10 home matches against Levante in all competitions.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Levante
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