Recent form is irrelevant for Monday's 'clasico' at the Nou Camp against La Liga leaders Real Madrid as these type of matches are a one-off, Barcelona's Javier Mascherano has said.
"I'm one of those that doesn't believe that current form is important for a 'clasico'," the Argentina midfielder told reporters.
"We are at home in front of our own fans, which gives us a small plus, but we know we are up against a great team that is doing very well. They aren't leaders by accident."
Real's Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira worked in the gym on Thursday recovering from the back and thigh problems respectively that kept them out of the midweek Ajax game, but both are expected to be fit in time.
The third-placed club will be without left back Joan Capdevila who twisted an ankle in last week's draw against Valencia, sidelining him for up to three weeks.
"I have to thank coach Quique Sanchez Flores," Forlan told daily Marca. "It was his idea that I played fewer minutes (to rest after the World Cup) and I didn't agree... but now I feel different on the pitch and much better."
"Angel Torres was very clear about the situation. The players and myself feel reassured," Michel told reporters.
In-form Spain striker Fernando Llorente, who has nine league goals this season, has had a stomach complaint which has disrupted his preparations for Athletic Bilbao's home clash with northern rivals Osasuna on Sunday.
