Match Preview: FC Barcelona v Leganés

Ernesto Valverde’s team will aim to continue their recent good form against Leganés, and with second placed Atlético Madrid heading to the Santiago Bernabéu for the Madrid derby, results this weekend could prove pivotal in the title race.  

Team News

Sergio Busquets and Lucas Digne are injured and won't play any part in the game, whilst Yerry Mina and Aleix Vidal have been left out by the coach. The 18-man squad is as follows: Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Denis Suárez, A. Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, O. Dembélé, Cillessen, Coutinho, Paulinho, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, S. Roberto, André Gomes, Umtiti and Vermaelen.

Alex Szymanowski and Martín Mantovani are injured and won’t feature for Leganés, whilst Diego Rico is suspended. Asier Garitano can, however, once again call upon the services of Darko Brasanac after several weeks out.

Coaches’ viewpoints

As has often been the case this season, Valverde said he expected a tough match against a good team. “I’m expecting the Leganés we've seen for the whole season. They're a team with enthusiasm, they play very well and it will be a tough match. We want to get the three points, we need 15 to be champions.”

Asier Garitano is well aware of the task facing his side, but the coach insisted in his pre-match press conference that everyone is looking forward to the challenge. “We need to play a great game, and though it will be a challenge for us, we have to go for it. I think they [Barça] are going to rotate as they have a lot of games. Let’s see if we can compete there," he said.

Form Guide

Leganés have won two out of the last four, against Sevilla and Málaga, however, they are their only victories in the last 12 games in all competitions. Barça remain unbeaten in the Spanish top flight, and have won four of their last six in the league.

History

Barça have won all three meetings between the two sides. In 2016/17, a 5-1 victory at Butarque was followed by a 2-1 win at the Camp Nou. Earlier this season, the Blaugrana secured a 3-0 victory.

Coverage

The game will be broadcast on numerous channels around the world but if for whatever reason you can’t get to see the game, you could try listening instead to our live English commentary on Radio Barça (the link will appear on the home page shortly before kick-off), or checking our official Twitter account.