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Barcelona welcome Levante to Catalonia, deposed as leaders of LaLiga. In the last matchweek, Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad on Sunday, before Barcelona lost away at Girona on Monday, meaning Madrid now lead the standings by two points. Barcelona will need to get back to winning ways if they want to get back to the summit of the league, and against the second-bottom team in the league, they have a brilliant opportunity.
Levante know the task that faces them in terms of this game and LaLiga survival. They sit seven points off Rayo Vallencano in 17th, and have not won in four. Now, with the worst defence in the league, they head to face a Barcelona side who have scored the most. The signs are ominous, but teams that are fighting for their life can cause upsets now and then.
Barcelona vs Levante key information
• Date: Sunday, February 22
• Kick-off time: 3.15pm GMT
• Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona
• Referee: N/A
• VAR: N/A
• TV channels: Premier Sports (UK)
• Odds: FCB (1/9) - DRAW 10/1 - LEV (16/1)
Barcelona team news
The loss at Girona will be a big disappointment to the Barcelona team. Now chasing Real Madrid, they will need all their squad to play a part. Sadly, there is no comeback in sight for the dynamic duo of Pedri and Gavi. Andreas Christensen also remains on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
At least they will have an additional attacking option on the weekend as Marcus Rashford is set to return to the matchday squad for Leavnte’s visit. Rashford has missed the last two games with a knee injury, but reports suggest that he has overcome that now.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Levante, (4-3-3)
Coach: Hansi Flick
Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Fermin, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Levante team news
Levante has suffered three successive La Liga defeats, with the last two of those defeats seeing Luís Castro’s men fail to score. Their top goalscorer is Karl Etta Eyong in LaLiga, but he hasn’t scored for Levante since October 26. The last time they netted, Unai Elgezabal was on the scoresheet in his return from a knee injury against Athletic Club. Unfortunately, Elgezabal has suffered another knee injury, so he missed the last game; however, there is a chance that he could return against Barca.
Another player missing will be Pablo Martinez, who went off against Valencia with a knee injury, and Roger Brugue, who has been out since early December. Kervin Arriaga also misses out, serving the second game of his suspension after a red card against Valencia.
Levante predicted lineup vs Barcelona, (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Luis Castro
Ryan; Toiljan, Dela, Moreno, Valera Pampin; Raghouber, Olasagasti; Losada, Alvarez, Etta Eyong; Romero.
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
Barcelona’s game against Levante will be shown on Premier Sports. To watch, you need to have a Premier Sports subscription, and then the match can be streamed online or on Sky.
Head-to-Head record
Barcelona have won all 16 of their home games against Levante in LaLiga. In their last 10 matches against Barca, home and away, Levante have only registered points in three of them, with two wins and a draw, though all those points came at home.
Earlier this season, it was a dramatic 3-2 win for Barcelona, with Levante going 2-0 up in the first half before Barca came back with three goals in the second half. The writing may be on the wall for Levante in this match, with their form coming into this game having not won in their last four. Barca are in their weakest patch, though, with Flick’s side losing their last two games in all competitions.
Odds for Barcelona vs Levante
Barcelona are favourites at 1/9 on bet365. A draw is at 10/1 with a Levante win at 16/1.
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.