When the season's calendar was drawn, a visit to Granada was one of the least interesting fixture. Now being sandwiched between the two clash between the Capital Giants, this looks a pretty interesting fixture now. This is Barcelona's chance to recover from the disappointment of the Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. More importantly, it is the best way to prepare themselves for Wednesday's Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid. Realistically speaking, this should be an easy away win ( Barca's Wiining odd is at 2/7 at sports betting at Betfair ). But a simple win may not do the job for Barca. We most probably would have to make a statement. A statement of intent which sends a message to the World and to our opponents, especially Real Madrid. With the Champions League exit it is time for us to concentrate on the two available trophies. That should ensure this as a successful season, but if we are not careful we may end up ruining everything. So the consolidation need to start tomorrow against Granada.
With final on Wednesday in mind Martino should rightly rest some of his players. But his task has been made pretty difficult by a late injury for Bartra that has kept him out of the travelling squad. The squad which will visit Granada is Pinto, Oier, Montoya, Alves, Adriano, Jordi Alba, Mascherano, Song, Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc, Tello, Messi, Alexis, Neymar Jr & Pedro. Martino will have a huge task in hand selecting the central defense pairing. A look at the squad shows that we don't have much choice in there, has to go with Mascherano and Adriano. That spoils not only Martino attempt to rest Mascherano ahead of Copa Del Rey final, but also Alba and Alves. Only one of them can be rested now. So the defense should see Alba, Adriano, Mascherano and Montoya featuring. The midfield should see the pairing of Cesc, Song and Sergi Roberto. The three stalwarts Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets need to be rested after midweek toil. The front trio should see Messi, Pedro and Sanchez. I would play Messi as it's better to play him to get some goals ahead of meeting Real Madrid.
Every match in the rest of this season is a must-win scenario. So there is no point in saying that we have to win this one. We must win this! The recent results against Granada points to an easy win, but taking this lightly should make it difficult. Granada's form has been pretty poor, they have lost last three of their La Liga matches.
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