With their grip on the league tightening, Jordi Roura could very well rest some starters with Barcelona have Champions League business in the mid-week against AC Milan. No disrespect to Granada, but they're probably a good choice to do that against.
Granada vs. Barcelona: Preview and TV schedule
Granada will be looking to steal some points against a Barcelona side that is a couple days away from resuming their Champions League campaign. Easier said then done.
Barcelona are sitting 12 points clear of Atletico Madrid and 16 points clear of Real Madrid, so things are looking pretty good at the moment for Roura. The Barcelona assistant continues to guide the team while head coach Tito Vilanova undergoes further cancer related treatment. With Xavi still out, Andres Iniesta will be forced to play deeper in the midfield again this week, assuming he's not rested.
Granada have Barcelona a good fight in their first meeting of the season at the Camp Nou, coming within three minutes of a scoreless draw. Barca will probably be looking to put their opponents to bed a little faster this time.
Granada injuries and suspensions
Out: Dani Benitez (hernia), Fran Rico (knee). In doubt: None
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: David Villa (kidney stone), Xavi (hamstring). In Doubt: None.
David Villa is out of the hospital but will still need a little more time to recover from passing a kidney stone. Midfielder Xavi is still trying to deal with a hamstring tear. Granada's Dani Benitez underwent hernia sugery earlier in the week and will be out awhile, Rico is still dealing with a knee injury.
Match Date/Time: 8 p.m. local, 2:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, Granada, Spain
TV: beIN Sport USA (U.S.), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
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