Barcelona fans will be expecting an easy win when they host Granada at Camp Nou on Sunday this week. After their last game, which saw Barcelona winning at the last moment, they will be looking to secure the game much earlier this time. Barcelona did have a shock loss against Espanyol over the midweek in Supercopa de Catalunya but that is likely to drive them more when they come up against Granada.
What concerns Luis Enrique is the long injury list that in continuously increasing for the Blaugrana. Barcelona are currently without a lot of first team players and the recent one added to that list was Iniesta.
Granada have started horribly this season with 0 wins in the opening 9 games. They have drawn 3 games till now and currently sit at the bottom of the La Liga table. Barcelona have won 6 of their opening 9 games and are currently in the 3rd position with 19 points. They are only 2 points below league leaders, Real Madrid.
Granada have never won away from home against Barcelona in the top flight and in their last 4 meetings, Barcelona have managed to keep a clean sheet at home.
Defence
Ter Stegen will start in the goal and will hope to have a better game after he let in 2 goals against Valencia. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is out with sprained ankle.
In Barcelona’s defence, they are plagued with injuries with Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Alex Vidal already out. To add to the woes, Jeremy Mathieu has also with a muscle injury. Javier Mascherano is now also suspended with a red card.
Samuel Umtiti is expected to take his place at the centre. Lucas Digne could be placed down the left back and Sergio Roberto at the right back position. It would be very difficult to defend for Barcelona. They might even play with 3 defenders due to lack of them.
Midfield
The midfield is equally scant and Luis Enrique will be without the likes of Andres Iniesta and Rafinha. We expect Enrique to push back Sergio Busquets to centre back playing Andre Gomes and Ivan Rakitic in the centre midfield. The central attacking midfield position will be expectantly given to Arda Turan. It is unfortunate that Rafinha, who was in such a brilliant goal scoring form isn’t available.
Attack
Barcelona’s only real hope of winning or even getting any point from any game depends on the front three. Any injuries or suspensions to this trio could more than end the season for the team. And Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar what their job will be next match.
