Preview: Levante vs. Barcelona

La Liga leaders Barcelona will be hoping to extend their unbeaten league run to five matches when they travel to Levante on Sunday.

The Catalan giants have not lost in the league since suffering a 1-0 reversal at Atletic Bilbao on December 1. Last week's goalless draw at Atletico Madrid means that they remain top of the standings on goal difference.

The hosts have been inconsistent in recent weeks, losing four and winning two of their last six league matches, with their latest win coming against Malaga last weekend.

Both sides come into this match off the back of Copa del Rey success in midweek, with Levante knocking out Rayo Vallecano while Barcelona beat Getafe 2-0.

Levante coach Joaquin Caparros could bring Jordi Xumetra back into the side following suspension, while David Barral is expected to continue in attack after scoring two goals in as many appearances this week.

Barcelona winger Neymar will miss the match after picking up an ankle injury against Getafe, which could see Cesc Fabregas brought into the side. Dani Alves will serve a one-match ban, so Martin Montoya is expected to slot in at right-back.

Recent form

Levante: LLWLLW

Barcelona: WLWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Levante: Navas; Lopez, Juanfran, Vyntra, Karabelas; Simao, Diop; Ivanschitz, Garcia, Xumetra; Barral

Barcelona: Valdes; Alba, Bartra, Pique, Montoya; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Fabregas, Sanchez, Messi

Sports Mole says: 0-2