Barcelona will be looking to move to the top of La Liga when they travel to the Spanish capital on Saturday evening to take on bitter rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.
Ronald Koeman's side, who are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid, will again be without the services of Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati and Neto Moura through injury.
Gerard Pique has made big steps forward in his recovery from a knee problem, and the next 24 hours or so will determine whether the centre-back can start El Clasico.
Koeman will not take any chances when it comes to the centre-back's fitness, though, and it would therefore not be a surprise to see him on the bench.
Frenkie de Jong has been used as a defender in recent weeks and that is likely to again be the case against Madrid, with Oscar Mingueza and Clement Lenglet also featuring in the XI.
Sergi Roberto has also returned from injury to make the squad, but a lack of football means that Sergino Dest should retain his spot as the right-sided wing-back.
There are not expected to be any surprises further forward, meanwhile, with Ousmane Dembele, who scored the winner against Real Valladolid on Monday, set to retain his spot in the side.
Antoine Griezmann will also be a part of the front three alongside Lionel Messi, who now looks likely to sign a new contract with Barca following a host of speculation.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Mingueza, De Jong, Lenglet; Dest, Pedri, Busquets, Alba; Griezmann, Messi, Dembele
> Click here to see how Real Madrid could line up for this contest
Matt Law
