Barcelona begin the new campaign with some new faces and most of the same questions about their defense as they faced most of last season.
Barcelona vs. Levante: Preview and TV schedule
Barcelona begin their new season at home against Levante with a new head coach, a new star player and all the same lofty expectations.
Chris McGrath
More from our team blogs: FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes
The arrival of new head coach Gerardo Martino creates a bit of uncertainty as to what exactly we'll see from Barca, those major changes are not likely. New signing Neymar is expected to make his league debut alongside Lionel Messi who has recovered from a thigh injury that threatened to keep him out of this week's match.
Cesc Fabregas is also available after recovering from a sprained ankle picked up during the team's Asia tour late in the summer.
There are still plenty of concerns about the defense as Barca have yet to add another central defender despite the glaring need. Martino appears ready to use Gerard Pique and Javer Mascherano as his starting pair, with youngsters Marc Batra and Frank Bagnack as coverage.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Carles Puyol (knee), Isaac Cuenca (knee).
Levante injuries and suspensions
Out: None
Both Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas overcame fitness test and will be available for the match. Carles Puyol continues to rehab from of offseason knee surgery.
Match Date/Time: 7 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 4 (U.K.), Canal+ Liga (Spain)
Online: beIN Sport Play (U.S.)
More in Soccer:
See More:
