Venue: Nou Camp, Barcelona
Date: 09/07/2016
Kick-off: 3:00 PM GMT / 10:00 AM EST
Television coverage: beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. (USA)
Online Streaming: fuboTV (USA), Sky Go (UK)
Match
Formation – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Claudio Bravo was handed a well deserved rest in Barcelona’s 4-1 triumph over Espanyol in the midweek Copa Del Rey encounter but one can be sure that the Chilean star will once again take his place in goal for the La Liga encounter with Granada this weekend.
Defence
Manager Luis Enrique surprisingly did not hand the likes of Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu a start during the midweek Copa Del Rey encounter and it seems unlikely that the duo will be starting once again, with Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique clearly the preferred choice at centre back.
On the left, Jordi Alba will be starting while Enrique may decide to give Dani Alves’ 33-year old legs a rest and provide Aleix Vidal with his first ever start for the club this weekend.
Midfield
Arda Turan made his debut for Barcelona with a decent performance against Espanyol and the Turkish star is expected to continue in the lineup once again.
Sergio Busquets looks like a certain starter as well but Andres Iniesta may well be handed a day off in favour of Ivan Rakitic. Sergi Roberto is currently struggling with injury and it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will be available to feature.
Attack
As expected, the trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar wreaked havoc on the Espanyol backline after missing out in the league last time out. Messi grabbed a brace on the night while the duo of Suarez and Neymar were fantastic once again.
Messi, Suarez and Neymar are undoubted starters on Sunday as well and it will be interesting to see how many goals the three superstars are able to score against the lowly Granada side.
(4-3-3)
Barcelona Probable Lineup: Bravo; Vidal, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Arda Turan, Sergio Busquets, Rakitic; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
