Preview: Real Zaragoza vs. Barcelona

After breathing a sigh of relief for progressing into the semi-finals of the Champions League, Barcelona will return focus to their domestic campaign with a clash against Real Zaragoza in La Liga.

The Catalans are closing in on title triumph due to their 13-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table, while Zaragoza are facing a relegation battle.

The hosts will drop into the bottom three if they succumb to defeat and Deportivo La Coruna and Celta Vigo snatch maximum points from their respective weekend fixtures.

Barca easily secured a 3-1 win over Zaragoza the last time the two sides met, but the Spanish giants are expected to be without star forward Lionel Messi.

The Argentina international has been struggling with injury, despite making a cameo appearance in Barca's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, but manager Tito Vilanova could rest the Ballon d'Or winner.

Meanwhile, left-back Abraham will be absent for the home side due to a suspension following his red-card offence against Deportivo last weekend.

Recent form

Real Zaragoza: LDLDL

Barcelona: DWDDW

Possible starting lineups

Real Zaragoza: Roberto; Sapunaru, Loovens, Gonzalez, Paredes; Movilla, Mari; Oriol, Rodriquez, Montanes; Postiga

Barcelona: Valdes; Montoya, Pique, Bartra, Alba; Thiago, Song, Fabregas; Sanchez, Villa, Tello

Sports Mole says: 0-2