OMNISPORT

Barcelona visit second-from-bottom Granada in La Liga on Saturday, hoping for a victory in order to put pressure back on leaders Real Madrid.

Luis Enrique's side fell to a shock 1-0 home loss at the hands of Malaga last Saturday, allowing Real to move four points clear with their comfortable 2-0 success at Elche a day later.

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Once again, Barca are scheduled to play earlier than their title rivals, with Real - and third placed Atletico Madrid - facing Villarreal and Sevilla respectively on Sunday.

Following their Liga disappointment against Malaga, Barca were back to nearer their fluent best in midweek with a 2-1 victory at Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg.

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Defeat to Malaga ended a run of 11 straight wins in all competitions, while Granada have won just two of their last 24 outings.

Goals in the 88th and 93rd minutes saw them go down 2-1 at Levante last time out, and there was further damage inflicted by the dismissals of Youssef El-Arabi and Adrian Colunga, meaning both men are suspended for this game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fran Rico will be the key to this game for Granada from midfield. Rico, a product fo Real Madrid's academy, boasts excellent passing range and will look to hit pinpoint balls into the attack. Similar in style to Xabi Alonso, he will also aim to protect the defence.

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Neymar was quiet midweek for Barcelona as they defeated Manchester City, so it will be expected he recovers quickly and produces a strong performance in this vital away trip. The Brazilian star has had an excellent season so far however, and will remain confident going into the game.

MATCH FACTS

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