Barcelona should have little problem continuing their recent fine form when they travel to face Eibar in La Liga on Sunday. The table-topping Catalans have notched up six straight wins in all competitions, and haven't dropped any points in the league since their first match of the calendar year. They've stormed eight points clear of second-placed Atlético Madrid, and it's difficult to envisage anyone overhauling them now.
Barcelona vs. Eibar 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
La Liga leaders Barcelona will look to extend their winning streak away at mid-table Eibar on Sunday.
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Their hosts, Eibar, made an excellent start to the season, but have hit some rather patchy form of late. They’ve lost six of their last seven games in the league, and have fallen to eighth in the table. They should be more than safe from relegation, but it seems they’ll be staggering over the line rather than sprinting across it. It’s difficult to see them managing to keep Barça at bay on Sunday.
Key player: Luis Suárez (Barcelona)
Barcelona striker Luis Suárez has been incredible form this season, having scored 25 goals in 26 league appearances so far. Only Cristiano Ronaldo can claim to have bettered the Uruguayan's tally. For most other teams, the absence of the suspended Neymar would come as a bitter blow; for Barça, who can still field both Suárez and Lionel Messi, it's unlikely to be too big a concern.
Recent history
This will only be the fourth meeting between these teams, and not surprisingly Barça will be going after their fourth victory. In the three times they’ve faced off since Eibar’s historic promotion in 2014, Barça have notched up an aggregate lead of 8-1. It’d be a considerable shock if they didn’t manage to extend that even further on Sunday.
Eibar injuries and suspensions
Out: Borja Ekiza (adductor); Jaime Jiménez Merlo (knee); Jota (thigh); Keko (calf); Lillo (suspended). In doubt: None.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha (knee); Neymar (suspended). In doubt: None.
Eibar have a handful of absentees, including goalkeeper Jaime, defenders Lillo and Ekiza and attackers Jota and Keko. Barcelona only have two players sidelined: midfielder Rafinha, who is continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury, and attacker Neymar, who is suspended.
Match date/time: Sunday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Municipal de Ipurúa, Eibar, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish); Sky Sports 2/HD (UK)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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