Venue: Nou Camp, Barcelona
Date: 09/07/2016, Time: 3:00 PM GMT / 10:00 AM EST
Television: beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. (USA)
Online: fuboTV (USA), Sky Go (UK)
Matchday 19 in La Liga calls for FC Barcelona, who sit in 2nd place currently, to collect a 3 points against 17th placed Granada at the Camp Nou.
The Spanish Football Association has given a verdict to the violent conduct that allegedly took place in the tunnel during Barça’s encounter with Espanyol and decided to punish striker Luis Suárez with a 2-match ban. Barcelona have already started the appeal process but under this ban, he will miss the next leg of the Copa Del Rey against Espanyol away from home.
Defense
Claudio Bravo should be the main man in goal. Doing well so far into this season, the Chilean needs to step his game regardless of the outfit as Granada are desperate to climb up the table and will pose a threat if they sneak into the penalty area for chances. At left back, Jordi Alba is always a must. Especially for attacking runs.
For the center-back pairing, Gerard Píque and Jeremy Mathieu spring to mind. With both defenders doing well this season and having successful defensive stats such as positive take-ons and tackles, they look ideal together with Thomas Vermaelan possibly playing a few minutes.
Knowing Luis Enrique, he is a strong believer of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Dani Alves is expect to be at right-back but I could also see Aleix Vidal start this time seeing that he played fairly well against Espanyol.
Midfield
The normal trinity in the midfield of Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets should play with Arda Turan being subbed in at some point. News of Sergi Roberto‘s recovery also enhances the strength of this midfield.
Offense
Neymar can easily take up a center forward role alongside the controversial Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will keep his right wing role.
(4-3-3)
Via – Starting Eleven
