LaLiga 2019-20: Five things to watch out for on Matchweek 1

#1 Will Lionel Messi play?

Lionel Messi faces a race against time in a bid for fitness in LaLiga opening clash

When was the last time Barcelona had to start a league campaign without Lionel Messi on the pitch? The answer to that question might be 2019-20 if Messi doesn't gain the medical green light by Thursday evening.

Lionel Messi was ready to travel to the US for the team's preseason friendly games against Napoli,however, a strain in the calf muscle meant that Messi had to stay back at Barcelona and work on his fitness. Ernesto Valverde, being the man he is, gave nothing much away when asked about Messi's status for the Liga game.

If Messi plays, then he is expected to start from the right-wing or maybe even the false-9 role that he is an epitome of. If he doesn't, then Barcelona has their options open. A front-three of Suarez, Griezmann, Dembele/Coutinho, or maybe even a 4-4-2 with Coutinho and Dembele both starting, is a possibility.

For Barcelona's sake, Lionel Messi has to be fit for the clash. The San Mames is a dangerous away ground and that's why both Barcelona and Real Madrid couldn't get out of there with 3 points last time out. Without Messi, Barcelona is in for a long night away from home.