Barcelona could be crowned champions of Spain this weekend, and their party could begin against city rivals Espanyol.
If Real Madrid drop points against Getafe on Saturday and Atletico Madrid fail to win at Elche early on Sunday, Barça will be title winners and receive a guard of honor from their Catalan neighbours.
La Blaugrana are likely to have to push through on Sunday to get the party started, with the prospect of winning the title at Espanyol’s current stadium and playing at their former home next season as champions a real possibility.
Espanyol themselves are mired in a relegation battle and while their fate cannot be sealed this weekend, they could be cut off from the teams above them if results don’t go their way – they are currently 19th and three points from safety.
Xavi’s only injury concerns heading into El derbi Barcelona regard Sergi Roberto, who is still nursing a hamstring problem, and Gavi after he picked up a knock against Osasuna.
Otherwise, Barcelona have a clean bill of health.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Busquets, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele.
Espanyol predicted lineup (5-3-2):
Pacheco; Gil, Montes, Gomez, Cabrera, Olivan; Ribuado, Suarez, Darder; Puado, Joselu.