Barcelona has the chance to go top of the La Liga table at least briefly this Saturday when the Catalans host Eibar at the Camp Nou. Barcelona is just a point behind Real Madrid in the table with the leaders set to play in the late kick-off match.
The main talking point heading into the match will be Lionel Messi not scoring a goal in the last six matches for Barcelona. Interestingly, he has assisted in every match during that run. With Napoli coming up in the Champions League later this week, Messi could do with a goal.
Eibar has won just one of their last five and is currently on a run of four matches without a goal. They are just three points above the relegation zone and were humbled 3-0 in the first leg by Barcelona.
Team News
Barca will again be without the services of key forwards Luis Suarez and Dembele through injury, while first-choice left-back Jordi Alba is still on the sidelines with a groin complaint.
Braithwaite could make his debut having joined on Thursday, although it seems more likely that the Dane will be named on the bench for this weekend’s clash.
Junior Firpo is in line to feature at left-back, while Nelson Semedo and Arturo Vidal could also start as Setien is expected to have one eye on the clash with Napoli on Tuesday night.
Clement Lenglet is also available for the hosts having served a one-game domestic ban.
As for Eibar, experienced forward Charles will miss out through suspension, while Pedro Bigas, Kike Garcia and Ivan Ramis are on the treatment table for the Basque outfit.
Sergi Enrich is expected to lead the line with support from Fabian Orellana once again, although Bigas’s absence will see a change at the back with Paulo Oliveira expected to come in.
Betting Tip
Barcelona to score more than 2 goals @1.78