Barcelona will be searching for an immediate response to their disappointing defeat last weekend when they welcome struggling Real Oviedo to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.
Following their 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad, Hansi Flick’s side has an opportunity to reclaim top spot in La Liga if they win this match.
Real Oviedo, meanwhile, is fighting for their survival, having failed to secure a victory in any competition since September and currently languishing at the foot of the table.
Barcelona vs Real Oviedo – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 25th January.
- Kick-off: 3:15pm BST.
- Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona will be without several key players for Sunday’s clash. Gavi continues his recovery from knee surgery and is unavailable, while Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with an ACL injury suffered in training.
Crucially, midfielder Pedri has been ruled out for approximately one month following a hamstring injury sustained during Wednesday’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague.
Forward Ferran Torres is also unavailable with a muscular injury and is expected to return against Elche on January 31.
The positive news comes with the availability of Lamine Yamal after he missed the Slavia Prague fixture due to suspension. Ronald Araújo could also feature from the start for the first time in two months after recovering from a period away to prioritise his mental health.
Real Oviedo team news
Real Oviedo will welcome back defender David Carmo following his return from AFCON and subsequent suspension.
However, midfielder Eric Bailly and midfielder Ovie Ejaria face fitness tests ahead of the fixture, though both are doubts for the encounter.
There are no other injuries or suspension issues for Guillermo Almadas’ side, and they are expected to field their strongest XI to face Barcelona.
Form
Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s side bounced back from their Real Sociedad setback with an impressive 4-2 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague in midweek.
Before that defeat, Barcelona had enjoyed a strong run of form, including a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup triumph over Real Madrid. The Catalans currently sit second in La Liga with 49 points from 20 matches, two points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo are in dire straits, having not secured a win in any competition since September 30.
The basement club have managed only 13 points from 20 La Liga matches and is enduring a 13-match winless streak in the league.
Despite their struggles, Guillermo Almada’s side has shown some defensive resilience under the new manager, drawing three of his four matches in charge. In their last match against Osasuna, they lost 2-3 as they conceded a goal in injury time.
Predicted lineups
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; E Garcia, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Real Oviedo: Escandell; Vidal, Carmo, Costas, Alhassane; Colombatto, Sibo; Hassan, Reina, Chaira; Vinas.
How to watch Barcelona vs Real Oviedo?
UK fans can watch the match live on Premier Sports 1. DAZN also provides coverage of La Liga matches.
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