With Los Blancos away in Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup, Ernesto Valverde’s side can stretch their lead over Zinedine Zidane’s men ahead of next weekend’s Clasico clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca, still unbeaten, are currently five points ahead of second-placed Valencia in the Primera Division, with Atletico in third (six behind) and Madrid (eight adrift) in fourth position after 15 rounds of matches.

Here, Goal takes a look at everything you need to know about Sunday’s match between Barca and Deportivo at Camp Nou…

BARCELONA INJURIES

Ousmane Dembele and Rafinha are both back training with the group after lengthy spells out through injury, but the two are not ready to return to first-team action just yet.

Javier Mascherano is available again after picking up an injury on international duty with Argentina last month and he could feature, but Samuel Umtiti is sidelined after suffering a muscle strain in the 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo earlier in December.

Andres Iniesta will return after missing last weekend’s 2-0 win at Villarreal.

BARCELONA SUSPENSIONS

Barcelona have no players suspended for the game against Deportivo, but Sergio Busquets has four bookings in La Liga this season and another on Sunday will see him miss the Clasico against Real Madrid on December 23.

BARCELONA POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP

Thomas Vermaelen is set to continue at the back for Barcelona with Umtiti sidelined through injury, although Mascherano is fit again and provides another option for Valverde.

The Argentine could feature in midfield if the Barca boss decides not to risk Busquets (one booking away from a ban) ahead of the Clasico, but the Spanish international is likely to start in the Camp Nou clash.

Iniesta will return to the starting line-up after missing last weekend’s win at Villarreal.

DEPORTIVO TEAM NEWS

Deportivo La Coruna are in 17th place in La Liga, just three points clear of the relegation zone, after 15 rounds of matches.

The Galicians sacked coach Pepe Mel after a miserable start to the season and former Barcelona player Cristobal Parralo is now in charge at Riazor.

A vital 1-0 win at home to Leganes last weekend lifted the club clear of the bottom three, but results have been poor overall and Depor lost their last away game 2-0 at Sevilla.

Gerard Valentin and Fede Cartabia are out injured, while Raul Albentosa is doubtful for the game on Sunday.

TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME

Barcelona versus Deportivo kicks off at 20:45 local time on Sunday and will be broadcast live from 19:40 UK time on Sky Sports Football.

In the United States (US), Barca vs Depor can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial) and kicks off at 14:45 ET.

BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS

Barcelona have lost just one of their last 14 La Liga matches against Deportivo (winning nine of those). At Camp Nou, Barcelona are unbeaten in 11 matches against Deportivo (with eight wins and three draws). Their last defeat at home to the Galicians came back in October 2003 in a 2-0 loss. Barcelona are the only team to have scored more than 200 goals against Deportivo in La Liga history (207). Deportivo have only won one of their last 12 La Liga away games (with four draws and seven defeats).  Their sole victory was a 3-1 success at Las Palmas in October. Lionel Messi has scored in eight of his last nine league games against Deportivo (13 goals), failing to score the last time the two sides met.