Barcelona should move a step closer to winning the La Liga title on Saturday, as they travel to take on the soon-to-be-relegated Córdoba. Their opponents have won only three games all season, and heading into the final four games are 11 points adrift of safety. They need to beat Luis Enrique’s league leaders to stand any chance of surviving the drop. And that’s just not going to happen.
Córdoba vs. Barcelona 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Barcelona should relegate Córdoba on Sunday.
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Barça have recovered from their 2-2 draw away at Sevilla with three convincing victories. It means they’re still two points clear of Real Madrid at this late stage. In any other league, that woudn’t be a comfortable margin by any means. In La Liga, where the top two are so much better than everyone else in the division, it should be enough to see the Catalans home.
Key player - Xavi (Barcelona)
Xavi's last season at Barcelona has seen him lose his place as one of the first names on the teamsheet, though anyone who doubts that the Spaniard still has what it takes to compete at the top level need only take a look at Barça's 6-0 win over Getafe in midweek in which he completely ran the show. He'll likely play again in this match, and will be hoping to have a similar influence over proceedings.
Key matchup - Córdoba's defence vs. Barcelona's attack
Córdoba may be the home team in this match, but it’s difficult to envisage them seeing much of the ball at all. It’s going to essentially be a training ground game of attack versus defence, and the question is not whether Córdoba’s defence will be able to hold out, but for how long.
Córdoba injuries and suspensions
Out: Iago Bouzón (hip). In doubt: None.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Considering we’ve arrived at this late stage in the season, when legs are weary and fatigue has set in, both of these sides will be delighted to have so few injuries. Thomas Vermaelen’s recent return means Barcelona have non at all, while Córdoba will only be without veteran defender Iago Bouzón, who has undergone surgery on a hip injury.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Arcángel, Córdoba, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Movistar TV Fútbol, C+ Liga Multi, Canal+ Liga / HD, Gol TV (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Fubo TV (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Gol Stadium (Spain)
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