Barcelona has a golden chance to take charge of their title race midweek when they play host to Granada. The match schedules for Thursday at Camp Nou in a top-flight battle with kickoff at 8 pm.
La Blaugrana kept their title race hopes alive last weekend with a 2-1 win over Villarreal last time out, whereas Granada’s two-game winning streak came to an end when they faced Sevilla.
A victory this week, and Barcelona gets back into the La Liga title race conversation while taking the lead. Ronald Koeman’s side had a troubled start in the first half campaign; however, they have made up for it in due time.
Furthermore, the La Blaugrana benefitted with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid dropping points during the weekend. Real Madrid was held to a 0-0 draw to Real Betis while Atletico lost to Athletic Bilbao.
The El-Clasico’s defeat marks the only defeat for the Catalan giants in 2021, with Koeman overseeing 15 wins from his side’s last 17 league matches. Moreover, the side continues searching for their fifth home visit when Granada visits this week.
In contrast, Granada can cherish a good season after almost making the Europa League semi-finals. However, making it next season remains a major hurdle for Diego Martinez especially following their 2-1 loss. In the reverse fixture, Granada thrashed their opponents 4-0 back on January 9.
Barcelona vs. Granada Head to Head
Both sides have 16 games against each other, with Barcelona taking home 14 wins while Granada with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 5-2 Getafe
Athletic Bilbao 0-4 Barcelona
Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-0 Real Valladolid
Away
Sevilla 2-1 Granada
Granada 4-1 Eibar
Man United 2-0 Granada
Real Valladolid 1-2 Granada
Granada 0-2 Man United
Barcelona Team News
The injury crisis at the camp seems to calm down with the only absentees, including Phillipe Coutinho, Ansu Fati, and Braithwaite. Sergio Dest came off the pitch at half-time and remains likely to get substituted by Sergi Roberto.
Granada Team News
Antonio Puerta picked up his fifth booking of the season and remained suspended ahead of this clash. Darwin Machis presents a likable replacement in the attack. Angel Montoro continues life on the sidelines after getting suspended ahead of this clash. Aaron Escandell is likely to fill the void of the absence in defense.
Prediction and Odds
It is the worst time when it comes to the injury front for the visitors against a highly motivated home side.
Barcelona Win
Goals Over 2.5
Griezzman to Score
