La Liga champions FC Barcelona play host to Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday afternoon as La Blaugrana hope to get their title challenge back on track following the international break.
FC Barcelona Betting News
FC Barcelona took on Celta Vigo in their last match prior to the international break, losing in a sensational match with the Galician outfit winning 4-3 on the night. That loss means La Blaugrana lost further ground on the top of the table, with Luis Enrique’s men currently sitting 4th in the table.
Barca are now trailing La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid by two points, with both clubs equal on goal difference with +12 apiece – though head to head is more important than goal difference in Spain’s top-flight. With regard to team news for Enrique’s men Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto are out injured for the hosts, which should see Lucas Digne and Aleix Vidal feature at full-back.
Elsewhere, Samuel Umtiti is available again after injury, with Lionel Messi similarly rejoining training for Barca.
Deportivo La Coruna Betting News
Deportivo La Coruna meanwhile go into Saturday’s clash with a renewed sense of belief they can shock the world, given Barcelona’s latest loss. Facing the champions in their own ground is a different task altogether however. Despite the mammoth task facign Deportivo, they will take solace in their 2-1 win at home to Sporting Gijon last time out.
That victory means Deportivo have accrued five points from the last 18 available, with the Coruna based club currently sitting 14th in the table on eight points so far.
Deportivo manager Gaizka Garitano will welcome back Faycal Fajr after a ban, but the Moroccan isn’t expected to be risked from the off in what should be a defensive line-up. Elsewhere, former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is unlikely to start, despite scoring a late winner against Sporting Gijon.
FC Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruna Match Prediction
Despite only trailing league leaders Atletico Madrid by two points FC Barcelona must get back to winning ways immediately.
With such a modest opponent at home Enrique’s men should have way too much attacking firepower for the opposing defence in this clash.
