Barcelona's mission is simple on Sunday against Elche. Win, or at the very least, match whatever Atlético Madrid does. The easiest thing to do in that situation is ignore everything else, and just focus on winning your match. That result would guarantee that next week's finale between Barca and Atléti at the Camp Nou would be a title decider.
Elche vs. Barcelona: Preview, TV schedule and how to watch online
Despite all the ups and down, all the criticisms and doubts, Barcelona still have a shot at winning the league title.
David Ramos
Gerardo Martino has no new injury issues to deal with, and will likely stick with the same lineup he's been using the last couple weeks. The only possibly change would be in the form of Cesc Fàbregas, who has come off the bench of late, rather than starting. Martino could bring him back to the lineup to try to shake things up a little.
Elche remain in the relegation fight, three points clear of the drop zone. Any points against Barcelona would be a huge boost, and considering the Blaugrana’s propensity to drop them lately, Elche have to live their chances. They’ll also be confident thanks to an unbeaten streak at home that runs back all the way to December 20th of last year.
Elche injuries and suspensions
Out: Tono (suspended), Alberto Botia (suspended).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Victor Valdes (knee), Carles Puyol (knee), Gerard Pique (groin), Jordi Alba (hamstring) Neymar (foot).
Barca’s injury list remains unchanged with the same group of players who’ve spent at least the last few weeks out, still unavailable. Elche will be without starting central defender Alberto Botia, meaning Charlie I’Anson will likely make a rare start in his place.
Projected lineups
Elche: Manu Herrera, Domingo Cisma, Sergio Pelegrín, Charlie I'Anson, Damián Suárez, Rubén Pérez, Carlos Sánchez, Garry Rodrigues, Javi Márquez, Coro, Richmond Boakye
Barcelona: José Manuel Pinto, Adriano, Javer Mascherano, Marc Bartra, Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sánchez.
Match Date/Time: 7 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche, Spain
TV: beIN Sports USA (U.S. - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.), beIn Sports Canada (Canada), Canal+ Multideporte 5 (Spain).
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), beIN Sports Play (Canada), Gol Stadium (Spain).
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