Ernesto Valverde named an unchanged Barcelona side from the one that beat PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in midweek for the team’s La Liga clash with Villarreal.

Lionel Messi continues as a false nine in Luis Suarez absence, while Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal retained their spots in midfield and Clement Lenglet partners Gerard Pique again at the back.

Barcelona have a chance to go top of the table, at least for a few hours, with league leaders Sevilla playing later on Sunday.