Barcelona dropped points in the league for the first time in over two months last weekend, as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Valencia's Mestalla. It has allowed Atlético Madrid to reduce the Catalan side's lead at the top of the table to just two points heading into this weekend's action. Luis Enrique will certainly be expecting his side to bounce back to winning ways, though Deportivo La Coruña could prove to be stubborn opponents.
Barcelona vs. Deportivo La Coruña 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
Barcelona could face a tough test at home to high-flying Deportivo on Saturday.
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The last few seasons have tended to be ones of perennial struggle for Deportivo, though under the management of Víctor Sánchez they’re defying all expectation this season. They’re currently sitting 10 places higher than the 16th position in which they finished last season, and head to the Camp Nou unbeaten in six. Of course, Barça remain strong favorites, but the form book suggests they’re going to be made to work for a win.
Key player: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Barcelona's wealth of attacking options means the absence of La Liga top scorer Neymar won't be a worry to them; they do, after all, have perhaps the greatest player of all time in their ranks. Lionel Messi's season so far has been rather uncharacteristically blighted by injury, but now that he's back to full fitness it surely won't be long before he once again charges to the top of the goal charts. Good luck stopping him, Depor.
When they last met: Barcelona 2-2 Deportivo La Coruña, May 23, 2015
Deportivo were scrapping for their La Liga lives when these sides met late last season, and picked up a crucial point against the odds at the Camp Nou. Barcelona sailed into the lead courtesy of a brace from Messi, though astonishingly went on to concede goals from both Lucas Pérez and Diogo Salomão in the final 23 minutes. Depor hung on for the point, and come the end of the season were out of the bottom three by tiebreakers alone. Phew.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha (knee); Douglas (foot); Neymar (groin). In doubt: Jérémy Mathieu (thigh).
Deportivo La Coruña injuries and suspensions
Out: Celso Borges (foot); Agosto Fabri (knee); Oriol Riera, Jonás Gutiérrez (thigh); Pedro Mosquera (suspended). In doubt: None.
Barcelona’s big injury concern at present is on-form striker Neymar, who will certainly miss this match with a groin problem. He joins long-term absentees Rafinha and Douglas on the sidelines, though defender Mathieu could return. Messi missed training in midweek, but his involvement isn’t thought to be in question.
Deportivo’s latest additions to the injury list are Riera and Gutiérrez, while Mosquera will miss out with a one-match suspension.
Match date/time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); fubotv (US)
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