BARCELONA -- Levante, which has gone 21 games without defeating Barcelona (since January 2004) and has lost the 13 matches it has played at Camp Nou, faces a leader whose strength is evidenced by its unbeaten run (26 official matches) and the consideration of being the only and absolute favorite in a league it dominates with an iron fist.

Since Real Madrid defeated them in that presentation that was the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, Ernesto Valverde's team has achieved 20 victories and 6 draws that have buried both the depression experienced in August and the feeling of being one step below Zidane's team... It is now Zidane who must look at the Barcelona team from a distance.

Without Busquets, suspended after receiving a yellow card during the exhibition in the Clasico, Barça will supposedly bring back the stars who were left out of Valverde's plan in the Copa, with Messi leading the way and the company of Luis Suarez, Iniesta, Ter Stegen or Jordi Alba, with the clear objective of achieving the 12th victory at Camp Nou and taking another step forward in their league campaign.

Highlighting both the presence of Jose Arnaiz and the absence of Gerard Deulofeu, in a head-to-head that reveals the coach's decision regarding a young player, Deulofeu, who seems to have his days numbered at the club, the other standout name in the match is Dembélé, who will have the opportunity to play his third match at Camp Nou, the first since September 12, 2017.

"I practically have the lineup decided," admitted Valverde in the press room, which could suggest Rakitic replacing Busquets and leaving a spot in midfield... Although it is understood that, just like in Vigo, Dembélé starts on the bench and comes in during the second half.