5 points clear at the top
3 points at the Camp Nou last Sunday in the big clash against Real Madrid allowed Pep Guardiola’s boys to find themselves back at the top of the table with 2 points ahead of Los Blancos.
The Catalans were then aiming to extend the gap to 5 points when they visited Xerez on Tuesday evening, and indeed, despite the lack of pace and organization they showed against the bottom side, they managed to obtain a 2-0 win which helped them reached their target.
Eventually, Barca – who now have 33 points – might think they have a comfortable lead at the top; yet, their fight for glory is yet to end, as they find themselves one game ahead of everyone else in the table.
Deportivo La Coruna – Great chances ahead
A good run this season has enabled Deportivo La Coruna to place themselves in fifth place with 25 points, just behind Valencia who also have 25 points, but possess a greater goal difference.
A win against FC Barcelona this weekend could even take them to the third place, depending on the scores of the respective games of Valencia and Sevilla.
Perhaps, one might say that this is unlikely to happen; but still, considering the majority of positive results La Coruna have been gathering so far this season, anything constructive could happen to them.
Still, if ever the hosts in Saturday’s late game were to shock the defending league champions, then they could also consider themselves as dangerous contenders for the La Liga title this season.
FC Barcelona – Handling the low energy
Barcelona have played 4 games since the recent International break, and hence, their fatigue has been one of their main issues since then. This was clearly shown in their mid-week encounter away to Xerez, as coach Guardiola decided to bench Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta, and Carlos Puyol.
Certainly, subsequent to their clashes against big clubs such as Inter Milan in the Champions League and Real Madrid in the local league during recent days, there is no doubt that the Spanish manager will need to refresh his line-up with a pack of rested players ahead of this weekend’s game.
Surely, this can include Pedro Rodríguez, and Jeffrén Suárez. Nonetheless, with such a weakened line-up against troublesome side Deportivo La Coruna, there could be doubts whether Barcelona will manage to end up as winners or not.
In fact, the league leaders don’t have a lot of options in front them when it comes to forming the best side to travel to the Estadio Razior. As a result, it will be interesting to know the final appearance of Pep’s selection.
Final expectations
Being the away side, Barcelona might again find it difficult to start on track – but having got the feel of the game, the visitors will be expected to pressure the home side.
Depending on Pep Guardiola’s decision, Lionel Messi could start the match in other to frighten the defense of the opponents; but knowing the strength of La Coruna this season, things might get more difficult than anticipated for the Catalans.
Last season, Barcelona destroyed Deportivo by a flood of goals; yet, bearing in mind that Barcelona could play less impressively than habitually, Deportivo could at least settle for a draw; if ever they fail widen their chances of entering the top four in Spain.
