Barcelona vs Levante preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

• Both teams to score

• Over 2.5 goals

• Barcelona to win

Barcelona have been knocked off top spot in La Liga table by Real Madrid, despite at some point being as much as seven points clear at the summit. 

In fact, they could be five points behind by the time this game kicks off, so there will be pressure on Flick's team to bounce back from successive defeats.

A third straight defeat seems unthinkable for Barcelona, and they will be pleased to be back on home soil in this match, especially against a Levante side that are battling relegation. Having won just four of their 24 outings, Levante are 19th and seven points behind 17th-placed Rayo Vallecano.

Levante have lost each of their last three matches in all competitions and have failed to secure a win in any of the last four. They have struggled defensively this season, conceding 41 times, which is the worst record in the division. That is a major concern, especially against a wounded Barcelona side looking to get back to winning ways.

Barcelona have only lost six of their previous 46 matches against Levante in all competitions, with 33 wins. Hence, it would be a major surprise if they failed to triumph here.

Earlier this season, Flick's team recorded a 3-2 victory. This is a fixture that has brought goals in recent history, with 19 registered in the last four games between the two sides.

Marcus Rashford and Pedri have both returned to training, giving Barcelona a much needed squad boost. However, it is unlikely that either will be considered for a start.

Gavi has also resumed group training and is expected to be cleared to return to action at some stage in March, but Andreas Christensen (knee) is a long-term absentee.

There will be changes from the side that started against Girona last time out, with Alejandro Balde in line to return at left-back, while Robert Lewandowski may be selected through the middle.

As for Levante, Roger Brugue (knee) and Pablo Martinez (knee) are both unavailable. Unai Elgezabal (knee) is a major doubt, while Kervin Arriaga is once again absent due to a suspension, so the visitors are likely to be missing four players for this game.

Etta Eyong was named on the Levante bench for the second game in a row against Villarreal, but the Cameroon international is likely to be introduced back into the starting XI here.

Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Fermin, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Levante: Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sanchez; Olasagasti, Raghouber; Tunde, Alvarez, Romero; Eyong

This is a must-win match for Barcelona; it is as simple as that. Expect Levante to find the back of the net due to their attacking quality and Barcelona's defensive issues, but the home side should still be able to collect a very important three points.

Correct score prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Levante