BARCELONA
V
EIBAR
Camp Nou
25th October, 17:15 GMT
Sitting in the third spot with a game in hand, Barcelona face Eibar as they look to catch up to Real Madrid in the race for the La Liga crown. Eibar on the other hand will be looking to gain momentum from a strong start to their La Liga campaign this year as they travel to take on Luis Enriquea s men at Camp Nou.
Team News, Tactics, Line-ups and Predictions
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Barcelona
Defensively weak and without the services of Lionel Messi, Luis Enrique faces a tough challenge as they host 7th placed Eibar at home. Coming back from a 2-0 win over BATE Borisov in the Champions League, the Catalan outfit will be dependent on Neymar and Luis Suarez as Barcelona seek to eclipse Celta Vigo to the match Real Madrida s tally on the top of the La Liga table.
Having already conceded 11 goals in 8 league outings, Bartra and Pique are expected to lead the teama s defence in front of Claudio Bravo between the posts. Dani Alves and Jordi Alba are expected to start the game and will be looking to provide ammunition down the flanks as Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets hold fort in the midfield.
All eyes will be on Neymar after the Brazilian international scored 4 goals in Barcelonaa s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano. With Lionel Messi sidelined with a knee injury, Neymar and Luis Suarez are expected to shoulder the responsibility to lead the teama s attack. Even though Iniesta has returned to training, the Spaniard remains doubtful for the fixture due to a hamstring injury.
Expected Starting Eleven: Bravo (GK); Alves, Alba, Bartra, Pique; Mascherano, Busquets, Rakitic, Munir, Neymar; Suarez
Eibar
Enjoying a brilliant start to their campaign this season, Eibar are currently sitting on the 7th spot having lost only one of their league outings so far. However, Jose Luis Mendilibar will be aware that their trip to Camp Nou will prove to be their toughest test so far.
Unbeaten in their last 4 fixtures, Eibar will be looking to create a major upset as they go up against Barcelona who are themselves unbeaten at home. Asier Riesgo is expected to take his position between the posts with Mauro dos Santos, Aleksandar Pantic, Ander Capa and David Junca playing in the defence. Defenders Ivan Ramis and Antonio Luna are unavailable for selection along with Adrian Gonzalez.
While Dani Garcia and Gonzalo Escalante are likely to start in the midfield, all eyes will be on Borja Baston who has scored 5 goals so far this season. On loan from Atletico Madrid, the Spanish striker is fast earning a reputation for himself and could secure a move back to the capital if he continues his impressive goal scoring run.
Expected Starting Eleven: Riesgo (GK); Mauro dos Santos, Pantic, Capa, Junca; Garcia, Escalante, Berjon, Enrich, Keko; Baston
Player To Watch Out For
Neymar remains the player to watch out for after the Brazilian scored 4 goals against Rayo Vallecano last weekend. The leading goal-scorer in the La Liga with 8 goals to his name, Neymar will be looking to strike an effective partnership with Luis Suarez as Barcelona hope to maintain their 100% win record at home.
Borja Baston on the other hand will look to test Barcleonaa s shaky defence and add to his tally of 5 goals this season.
Key Facts
- Barcelona are yet to lose a game at Camp Nou this season
- Neymar is currently the leading goal-scorer in the La Liga
Prediction
Barcelona 3-1 Eibar
Despite the notable absence of Lionel Messi, Barcelona will be expected to earn three points tomorrow as they host Eibar at Camp Nou. However, expect Eibar to put up a strong fight.
Blast From The Past
