Barcelona return to La Liga action on Saturday, when they visit the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes to take on Granada. After a dismal start to the season, Barcelona have shown some signs of life in recent weeks.
Xavi’s side have won three of their last four games in all competitions and moved up to fifth in La Liga. They trail leaders Real Madrid by a whopping 15 points, but are just one behind Atletico Madrid in fourth.
Granada, meanwhile are unbeaten in six league games since their 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid. They are currently 13th in the league table, but remain in contention for a top-half finish.
The last time these two sides met, a stoppage-time goal from Ronald Araujo helped Barcelona escape with a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona Team News
Xavi will be without a number of first-team players for this clash. Martin Braithwaite has been ruled out, while Ferran Torres remains ineligible.
👊 The team have arrived in Granada!
⏳ 5 hours to go until #GranadaBarça!
Som-hi! 💪 pic.twitter.com/qca2nDPFq5
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2022
Frenkie De Jong and Ronald Araujo are unavailable due to injuries, as is Sergi Roberto. Sergino Dest and Memphis Depay have returned after contracting COVID-19 but are unlikely to be risked for this clash.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Granada (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will return in goal for Barcelona after being rested for the Copa del Rey clash against Linares. The German was instrumental in the Catalans’ 1-0 win over Mallorca last weekend, making three important saves.
Defenders
With Ronald Araujo out due to injury, Dani Alves could make his first league start since his return to Barcelona. The Brazilian impressed in the Cup game against Linares in midweek.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Granada
Eric Garcia will likely partner Gerard Pique at centre-back, while Jordi Alba will feature on the left in the Barcelona lineup. The Spaniard has developed into one of Barcelona’s most important players in recent years, but has been plagued by injury this season.
Midfielders
Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of this clash, meaning Xavi could field a young pairing of Gavi and Nico Gonzalez alongside the experienced Sergio Busquets.
Gavi and Nico are among the most exciting talents in La Liga and could form the core of the Barcelona midfield in the years to come.
Attackers
Luuk de Jong will lead the line for Barcelona after returning from suspension. The Dutchman has netted only twice in the league this season, but one of them was the all-important winner against Mallorca last time out.
Ousmane Dembele will start on the right flank. The Frenchman is one of the most dynamic wingers in the league when fit and scored in the 2-1 win over Linares.
Ferran Jutgla will likely get the nod on the left after scoring the winning goal in the Copa del Rey. The 22-year-old Spaniard has earned more and more playing time under Xavi in recent weeks and has impressed whenever given the opportunity.
