Preview: Injuries could play a big part in this match for the hosts
A number of injury concerns will have Tata Martino somewhat worried heading into Saturday's match against Granada. With eight players in doubt, at least four of them will definitely miss this match.
Lionel Messi is obviously the big name on that injury list, which is also made up of Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and most recently Victor Valdes. Along with those four top players, Martino could be without Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, Xavi and Cristian Tello, who are all in doubt, but have yet to be ruled out for this weekend's match.
Having so many injuries could be problematic, but fortunately Barcelona has good enough talent on their bench who can fill in.
Taking the field without Messi is obviously a different feeling that Barcelona fans have not had to deal with too often, but they will once again have to get things done without their number 10. Without him in the squad, it will continue to put pressure on Neymar, who after a big time signing in the summer, will be expected to be a difference maker for the Blaugrana.
The hosts come into the match with eight victories and one draw in their 2013/14 campaign, which has them top of the league with 37 points. Their only slip-up came in a scoreless draw away to Osasuna, but they quickly bounced back from that with four successive victories heading into the international break.
From their last four meetings with Granada, Barcelona has won all four, while outscoring their opponent 10-4. Two home victories and two away will give the hosts some added motivation, but given all their injuries, Granada may feel they have a good chance of grabbing points at the Nou Camp.
Granada has won three of their last four matches, with their only let down coming against Atletico Madrid, who is second in La Liga. Away from home, Granada has not been all that bad, claiming 11 points from a possible 18. Their only defeat came against Villareal, with 3-0 scoreline.
Lucas Alcaraz could welcome back Dani Benitez for this match, after he picked up an injury in September and has not played since. Two other concerns for the Granada manager will be Hassan Yebda and Yacine Brahimi who returned late from their Algerian National Team duties, and have not had a chance to train with the squad this week.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Barcelona vs Granada live on Saturday, November 23, 2013:
In Canada at 10:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play Canada
In the USA at 10:00 ET on: beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport en Español
Football fans in Spain can follow all the action on C+ Liga Multi and Canal+ Liga / HD. If you are outside of these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Barcelona vs Granada match page for full TV listings.
