Barcelona vs Granada preview, predictions & possible XIs
Barcelona, under newly-appointed boss Quique Setién, host Granada in La Liga on Sunday evening.
A disappointing Spanish Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid, which saw Barça throw away a 2-1 lead in the final eight minutes, was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Ernesto Valverde.
His successor, Setién, who has continually professed love for the Catalan giants, will be hoping Granada don’t finish this season unbeaten against Barça considering they inflicted a 2-0 defeat on them earlier in the campaign.
Read on for our Barcelona v Granada preview, predictions, team news and TV coverage information.
When is Barcelona vs Granada and where can I watch live?
Competition: La Liga
Venue: Camp Nou
Date: Sunday, 19 January 2020
Kick-off: 8:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): LaLigaTV
Last five meetings: Barcelona vs Granada
21 September 2019: Granada 2-0 Barcelona (La Liga)
2 April 2017: Granada 1-4 Barcelona (La Liga)
29 October 2016: Barcelona 1-0 Granada (La Liga)
14 May 2016: Granada 0-3 Barcelona (La Liga)
9 January 2016: Barcelona 4-0 Granada (La Liga)
Aggregate Score: Barcelona (LWWWW) 12-3 Granada (WLLLL)
Ones to watch
Barcelona: Antoine Griezmann
The appointment of Setién could prove to be pivotal in Antoine Griezmann’s short Barcelona career.
There’s no question the former Atletico Madrid man has been overshadowed this season, though he’s often played away from his best position under Ernesto Valverde, who is far more pragmatic than his incoming successor.
That is now certain to change with Luis Suarez ruled out for four months. If Setién is able to unleash the player the defending Spanish champions signed then a spectacular second half of this season awaits.
Key stat: 71% of Griezmann’s goals for Barcelona in La Liga this season have come at home (5/7).
Granada: Antonio Puertas
It’s going to be a tall order for 10th placed Granada this weekend. Diego Martínez’s side, before the ball has even been kicked, understand they’ll be doing more defending than attacking.
If they do manage to find themselves in front of Barça‘s goal the hope is top scorer Puertas is on the end of it.
Key stat: Puertas has scored the most aways goals (three) for Granada in La Liga this season.
Team news
Barcelona
Quique Setién makes his Barcelona debut this weekend missing up to three players – Frenkie de Jong (suspended), Ousmane Dembélé (injured) and Luis Suarez (injured) – whilst Arthur is rated as a doubt.
Junior Firpo, who he coached at Real Betis, is expected to remain a backup option to Jordi Alba. All eyes, though, will be on the shape of his first Barça team.
Predicted XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, Vidal, Arthur; Messi, Griezmann, Fati.
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Granada
Diego Martinez heads to Barcelona this weekend missing five players from his squad. Neyder Lozano, Quini, Yangel Herrera, Fede Vico are ruled out through injury. Ángel Montoro, meanwhile, serves a one-match suspension.
Predicted XI: Escandell; Foulquier, Duarte, J Martínez, A Martínez; Azeez, Gonalons; Puertas, Aranda, Vadillo; Soldado.
Squawka prediction
Barça would love to be playing close to perfection but recent performances suggest they remain the league’s best side or at the very least second.
Quique Setién couldn’t have picked a better opposition for his debut game and with Lionel Messi operating on another level expect a big first win in charge for the ex-Betis coach.
