Barcelona continue their march towards a first league title since 2018/19 when they visit Elche on Saturday evening.
The Clasico victory over Real Madrid before the international break put Barça 12 points clear at the top of La Liga as goals from Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie defeated their great rivals.
There’s a massive 55 points separating Xavi’s side from 20th-placed Elche. The Alicante club sacked coach Pablo Machin after a 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad left them 14 points adift of safety. Sebastian Beccacece is the new boss in the dugout, becoming Elche’s fourth manager of the season.
Elche team news
New Elche boss Beccacece is without the suspended duo of Pape Cheikh and Lucas Boye to add to some pretty considerable injury issues.
Jony Alamo, Randy Nteka and Enzo Roco are all sidelined, while Lisandro Magallan has a thigh injury which could also see him miss out. John Nwankwo also has a leg problem and may not be fit in time.
Elche predicted lineup vs Barcelona
(3-5-2): Badia; Gonzalez, Mercau, Palacios; Carmona, Gumbau, Mascarell, Guti, Clerc; Ponce, Milla.
Barcelona team news
Barça are also struggling with some injuries to key squad members. Ousmane Dembele is still recovering from a muscle injury, while Andreas Christensen and Pedri will also be absent on Saturday night.
Raphinha is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards, while late calls will be made on the fitness of Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, though the former isn’t expected to be available.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Elche
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Alonso, Balde; Kessie, Busquets, Gavi; Torres, Lewandowski, Fati.
