Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has featured in all five of Barcelona's league games this season Reuters

Barcelona can go top of the La Liga table by beating Sporting Gijon at El Molinon on 24 September.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 3.15pm BST. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

Sporting Gijon lost their second match in the space of four days, going down 2-1 against Celta Vigo at Balaidos on 21 September. The Asturias club have lost their last four meetings with Barcelona.

Defender Douglas and midfielder Moi Gomez are both carrying knocks and could miss the Barcelona clash.

Barcelona failed to make up ground on La Liga leaders Real Madrid as they could only draw 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in midweek. The Catalan giants have won their last five away matches in La Liga.

Lionel Messi has been ruled out for three weeks after picking up a groin strain in the Atletico match. French defender Samuel Umtiti is still out with a knee injury.

What managers say

Abelardo Fernandez: "We knew it would be tough [against Celta Vigo] because of the schedule. The pity is that we had a point in our hand in a difficult stadium and ultimately it got away from us. It is a shame but there is no doubt that this is a marathon. The goal is to stay in the Primera Division. We know it will be tough and you have to take things step-by-step."

Luis Enrique: "Without Leo we all lose. Football loses. We have to find solutions, knowing that with Messi we're very strong. We know that we have to win. We knew it wouldn't be an easy game [against Atletico Madrid]. We knew that we'd have to attack a team who sat back, who worked hard, left few spaces and made things tough. We had a good first half, without creating many chances. We attacked really well and they defended amazingly."

Form guide

  • Sporting Gijon: LLWDW
  • Last result: Celta Vigo 2-1 Sporting Gijon
  • Barcelona (all competitions): DWWLW
  • Last result: Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Sporting Gijon win: 12/1
  • Draw: 9/2
  • Barcelona win: 1/4

Team news

Sporting Gijon possible XI: Cuellar; Lora, Babin, Amorebieta, Castellano; Rodriguez, Torres, Alvarez, Afif; Viguera, Cop

Barcelona possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Mathieu, Digne; Rakitic, Busquets, Gomes; Turan, Suarez, Neymar

Barcelona