Barcelona begins the Luis Enrique era on Sunday as they welcome Elche to the Camp Nou. It’s the season opener for both sides, and the Blaugrana will be determined to get Enrique a win in his debut. Barca defeated Elche at the Camp Nou 4-0 last season, but were held to a scoreless draw late in the season in the return fixture.
Barcelona vs. Elche: Preview and TV schedule
Barca begins the La Liga season with a new manager, but several of their new players missing due to injury or suspension.
Key Player: Claudio Bravo (Barcelona)
With first choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured and long time club servants Victor Valdés and José Manuel Pinto departed, it falls to summer signing Claudio Bravo to guard the Barca goal. The Chilean keeper is experienced and capable, along with being quite familiar with La Liga. He’s been with Real Sociedad since 2006, and has played plenty of games at the Camp Nou. The environment shouldn’t be a shock, though wearing the Barca colors make everything a little different.
Key Matchup: Barca vs. The Elche Bus
Elche is going to park the bus defensively against Barcelona. They did it twice last season with mixed results, and how things work out for them on Sunday will again determine the result. If they’re able to combine tight and organized defending with a bit of lucky -- like they did in the scoreless draw last May -- anything could happen. If Barca are able to pass through the clogged final third and execute some of their moments of brilliance, this could get ugly. It’s really that simple.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Neymar (ankle), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring), Luis Suárez (suspension). In Doubt: Pedro (illness).
Elche injuries and suspensions
Out: None reported.
After finally getting back from a back injury suffered at the World Cup, Neymar is once again sidelined after spraining his ankle during training. It’s a grade 1 sprain which could keep the Brazilian out a couple weeks. New goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out as well with a back injury, along with new defender Thomas Vermaelen who is still recovering from a hamstring problem. Pedro could be available if he gets over an illness in time, but if he’s unavailable, youngster Munir El Haddadi could get a start.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports, beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), beIN Sports (Canada), Canal+ 1/HD/30 (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), beIN Sports CONNECT (Canada)
See More:
