PREVIEW | FC Barcelona v Elche

FC Barcelona’s last fixture before the international break is back at Spotify Camp Nou, and it’s an early Saturday kick-off at 4.15pm CEST.

Following a big 4-0 win at bottom side Cádiz last weekend, the Catalans are now facing the team second-from-bottom. But they would be warned to exercise caution against Elche. Although they Barça continued their long run of wins against the green-and-whites in last season’s two meetings, neither of them came without some scares along the way.

Team news

Once again, Xavi is going into a fixture with a full squad to choose from. Let’s hope the lack of injury concerns continues! There are also no players suspended.

How it stands

Barça held onto second spot with last week’s win, but are still trailing Real Madrid, who have yet to drop any points. But the leaders have a tricky one on Sunday at 9pm CEST when they travel to neighbours Atlético for the local derby. Could this be Barça’s chance to go top?

Just one point behind Barça we find Real Betis (who entertain Girona on Sunday at 6.30pm CEST) and Osasuna (who host Getafe at 2pm CEST earlier on the same day).

Did you know?

Barça are unbeaten in 19 league games against Elche, and have won the last six. At home, they are on an amazing 23-game unbeaten streak.

Robert Lewandowski has has 13 shots on target this season. That’s more than the whole Elche team combined, who have only scored twice in two games and have just one point.

There are two old friends in the Elche squad. Àlex Collado is currently at the club on loan from Barça, and Gerard Gumbau spent three season at Barça B. 

Xavi says

"It should be similar to the Cádiz game, a physical opponent that urgently needs points. After losing in Munich we want more of the same, but this time winning.”

"Gavi is a heart with legs, and his extended contract is the best news of the week. We need to look after him. He’s both the present and the future of this club.”

“We’re still exercising caution with Ansu Fati. We need to give him time before he returns to full intensity … Perhaps we pushed him too quickly last season. So I have been sitting down with him and taking about the best plan. As for whether he goes to the World Cup, that’s for Luis Enrique to decide, ask him.”

"The international break has come at a good time. We haven’t stopped since the preseason. It will also be a good time to talk to Pablo Torre and decide whether he should go to the B team or stay with us here.”