By their own standards, Barcelona have made a rather patchy start to the new La Liga season. Sure, they still sit joint-top of the table after eight rounds, but defeats to Sevilla and Celta de Vigo have suggested that Luis Enrique’s side are yet to find their very best form. They’ll be hoping to do so at home to Eibar on Sunday, where they can build on last weekend’s 5-2 demolition of Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona vs. Eibar 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Barcelona will look to record their third straight win in all competitions at home to Eibar on Sunday.
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
The Catalans certainly have more than enough talent to win the game, but that doesn’t mean their visitors are going to make life easy. Eibar have made a good start to the new season, and find themselves up in a surprisingly high seventh place. They’ve already held both high-flying Celta de Vigo and a talented Sevilla team to draws, and will doubtless be looking to keep things tight at the back away at Camp Nou. That, however, is rather easier said than done ...
Key player: Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona)
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić was the hero in their game against Belarusian minnows BATE in midweek, coming off the bench to score both goals in a 2-0 win. The Croatian international has proven to be one of the Catalans’ most important assets since arriving at the club from Sevilla, with his tireless industry helping his side in both phases of play. Expect him to return to the starting lineup for this match.
Key matchup: Neymar vs. Ander Capa
Perhaps the most in-form Barcelona player at the moment is attacker Neymar, who is having no problems shouldering the creative burden in the absence of Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta. His pace and skill enables him to wreak havoc when he drifts inside off the left flank, and it'll be up to Eibar defender Ander Capa to try and cut off his supply in this match.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha, Lionel Messi (knee); Sergi Roberto (groin). In doubt: Andrés Iniesta (hamstring).
Eibar injuries and suspensions
Out: Ander Gayoso (knee); Antonio Luna, Iván Ramis (hamstring); Adrián González (groin); Jaime (knock). In doubt: None.
Barça will still be without Rafinha and Messi, while Sergi Roberto is the latest player to be added to their injury list. Iniesta faces a late fitness test on a hamstring injury.
Eibar have had no better luck, with Ramis and Adrián the latest additions to their injury list. They join Gayoso, Luna and Jaime on the sidelines.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, Oct. 25, 12:15 p.m. ET, 6:15 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish); Sky Sports 5/HD (UK)
Online: Fubo TV (US); beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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