Ernesto Valverde’s men are seeking to go an entire season unbeaten and they play their final away game of the season against a rejuvenated Levante side.
Barcelona are two games away from going an entire season in La Liga unbeaten. Levante stand in their way in what is Barcelona’s final away game this season. After a pulsating draw with Real Madrid in the Clasico and the thrashing of Villareal in the midweek game, Barcelona will be in high spirits to beat Levante.
The Barcelona boss also emphasised in his pre-match press conference that his side can ill afford to take Levante lightly, and will need to be at their best to continue their incredible unbeaten run.
“Levante have incredible numbers, with seven wins, a draw and a defeat in nine games. I always thought they had a better team than the table suggested.”
Ernesto Valverde rested a few key men for the Villareal clash, with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Ivan Rakitic all starting on the bench. The trio are set to return to the starting lineup against Levante, who are looking for their fifth straight win in the league.
Lionel Messi, meanwhile, looks set to miss the Levante clash as the Argentine has not travelled with the squad. Valverde could give some fringe players further playing time as these stars are vying for a place in their respective national sides for the upcoming World Cup.
Valverde will make a late decision on the starting goalkeeper after Jasper Cillessen impressed in the thrashing of Villareal, but could yet start with Marc-Andre ter Stegen on Sunday. It is ter Stegen who is vying for a World Cup spot with Germany and Valverde’s decision could swing in that aspect.
Nelson Semedo should continue at right-back after coming in place of the suspended Sergi Roberto, who continues serving a four-match ban. Jordi Alba could return to the starting lineup after starting on the bench in the midweek win. At the heart of the Barcelona defence, Gerrard Pique could likely partner Thomas Vermaelen, with Samuel Umtiti missing out yet again.
Messi has not travelled with the Barcelona squad, which will likely see a change in the midfield and forward formation. As a result, Valverde could start with Luis Suarez as the lone striker up front. Expect a midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and the returning Ivan Rakitic.
Giving company to Luis Suarez in the front trio should be Ousmane Dembele, who will man the right side of attack, with Philippe Coutinho starting on the opposite flank.
