Barcelona dropped out of first place for the first time this season after their scoreless draw against Málaga during the midweek. That result, combined with Valencia's 3-0 win over Córdoba, allowed Los Che to jump over the Blaugrana on goal differential. It's not the end of the world for Luis Enrique's team to have finally dropped points in league play, especially considering their defense remains un-scored upon in any competition so far this season.
Barcelona vs. Granada live stream: How to watch La Liga online, TV schedule and more
A poor performance against Málaga ended Barcelona’s perfect start to the season, they’ll look to rebound against Granada.
What’s really hurting Barca at this point is probably fatigue, thanks to an extremely busy schedule with Champions League and La Liga play colliding over the past week and a half. Despite Enrique’s best efforts to rotate his roster and keep his players fresh, there legs have to be wearing down a bit. It will be interesting to see if the first year head coach decides to risk another poor result in league play on Saturday with Paris Saint-Germain looming next week.
On the upside, Barca will finally have defender Thomas Vermaelen available after the summer signing was cleared by doctors to resume play after an extended absence due to a hamstring injury.
Key Player: Pedro (Barcelona)
There has been talk during the last couple transfer windows that Pedro could make a big money move to England or another European club after appearing to be one of the forgotten men on this Barca squad. After two straight starts, it appears that Pedro will still be a key cog in the wheel, so it would be beneficial for the Blaugrana if he could try to rediscover some of his lost form. He’s still only 27-years-old, but when’s the last time he felt like a dangerous player? With Neymar and Messi clearly driving the offense, a resurgence by Pedro would only make them more dangerous ... now watch Munir start ahead of him on Saturday.
Key Matchup: Granada defense vs. Barca attack
Let’s no kid ourselves about this game. Barcelona are going to attack, they’re going to have a ton of possession, and Granada will try to clog up the passing lines and look to steal a goal on the counter attack. It’s a tried and true method for dealing with Barcelona, and while team’s that manage to pull it off deserve credit, it’s often as much about what Barca didn’t do, as what their opponent did do. If Granada can frustrate Barca’s attack, keep the game scoreless and limit Neymar and Messi’s (or whomever starts) chances, anything can happen. It could also end up 5-0. Such is the fate of those that play Barca.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Jordi Masip (broken finger), Luis Suárez (suspended).
Granada injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Larsson (ankle). In Doubt: Ruben Rochina (knock).
Neither team have any major injury issues with Barca just missing third choice keeper Jordi Masip and suspended striker Luis Suárez. Daniel Larsson will be Granada's only absent player with an injured ankle.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 6 p.m. local, 12 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), GOL T, Canal+ Liga/HD, Canal+ Yomvi, (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), beIN Sports CONNECT (Canada), Gol Stadium (Spain)
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