Barcelona v Leganes - Preview and possible line-ups

TEAM NEWS:

Barcelona:

Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, who all missed the 3-0 victory over Levante in the Copa del Rey, are expected to return to the side. It's uncertain who will make way for Suarez, however, with Dembele putting in an impressive shift in the cup outing. If he stays in the team, it is likely Philippe Coutinho could drop to the bench. Arthur looks likely to play in central midfield over Arturo Vidal, with the two battling for the same spot.

Leganes:

Manager Mauricio Pellegrino has an injury headache to contend with, due to a host of absences including star player Guido Carillo. Martin Braithwaite looks likely to keep his place after netting against Real Madrid last week, while Youssef En-Nesyri play alongside him up front. Unai Bustinza is suspended and Ruben Perez has a minor injury, meaning he is a doubt for this match.

MANAGERS´ THOUGHTS:

Barcelona's Ernesto Valverde on the reverse fixture and his team selection:

"The game we played against them earlier this season has to teach us something. Leganés get back well, cross the ball well, and they have good shooters. We'll have to be careful."

"The schedule will get tougher this month if we keep advancing and we'll have to rotate the lineup."

Leganes' Mauricio Pellegrino on his team's improvement and his gratitude for the fans:

"The team has evolved and improved since the last time we played Barcelona."

"I'm very grateful for the actions of the fans after our elimination from the cup. I take pride in the fact that they were happy with the effort from the team."

FORM GUIDE:

DID YOU KNOW?

Leganes have lost four of their five meetings with Barcelona in La Liga, conceding 14 goals in total.

In their last meeting, however, Leganes got the better of Barcelona, with quickfire goals from El Zhar and Rodrgiguez sealing victory.

In his last 10 appearances, Lionel Messi has grabbed 10 goals and 6 assists

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS:

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Suarez, Dembele

Leganes: Cuellar; Omeruo, Siovas, Tarin; Nyom, Gumbau, Vesga, Silva; Rodriguez, En-Nesyri, Braithwaite