Barcelona v Girona - Preview and possible lineups
Barcelona hope to solidify their position as leaders in the race to regain La Liga when Girona travel to the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Ernesto Valverde's side are cruising towards the Spanish title and, with 14 fixtures to go, they host Girona in a Catalan derby at the Camp Nou.
After a trip to Stamford Bridge and ahead of the return fixture of the Champions League last 16, Ernesto Valverde hinted he could rest some of his star men but field a strong side as Barca look to consolidate top spot.
When asked if Messi and Suarez would be rested, he said: "It's a possibility, but I'm not going to unveil it. Girona are one of the surprises of La Liga. The intensity they play with means they are close to a place in Europe," said the Barca boss. "They handle themselves very well in attack and have players to create problems. They come to give the surprise and have nothing to lose."
Girona are having a fine maiden season in La Liga, currently in eighth place with 34 points, having won nine and drawn seven of their 24 matches. They have shown their capabilities against the top sides too, beating Real Madrid at home whilst drawing twice against Atletico Madrid. They lost 3-0 to Barcelona at Montilivi earlier this season.
Nelson Semedo is available for selection after missing the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League through suspension. Defender Thomas Vermaelen is also available and Valverde has a fully fit squad to select from at the Nou Camp. Ousmane Dembele is also ready to return to the starting lineup.
Girona head for their first La Liga clash at the home of Barcelona without defender Jose Raymundo Luis Suarez, while left-back Johan Mojica is doubtful.
Recent form:
Potential lineups:
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Vermaelen, Pique, Digne, Dembele, Busquets, Gomes, Coutinho, Messi, Suarez
Girona: Bounou, Ramalho, Espinosa, Juanpe, Aday, Aleix Garcia, Borja Garcia, Granell, Mojica, Portu, Stuani