Match Preview: Las Palmas v FC Barcelona

Match Preview: Las Palmas v FC Barcelona

Luis Enrique's side are looking for another three points to maintain their six-point advantage at the top of the league table

FC Barcelona are looking to maintain their six-point advantage at the top of the table as well as their unbeaten run when they take on Las Palmas on Saturday (4.00pm CET).

Team news

Luis Enrique will be without the suspended Sergio Busquets and the injured Rafinha. The manager announced his 18-man squad on Friday, opting to leave Masip, Douglas, Piqué and Adriano in Barcelona.

Coaches’ viewpoint

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique was under no impression that Saturday’s game will be easy. “Las Palmas are a tough opponent. It will not be difficult take the ball off them, and there will times where it will be tough.”

On the other hand, Las Palmas boss Quique Setién believes his side needs to be “more effective up front” and hopes that Barça have an “off day”.

Form guide

Barça are enjoying an excellent run of form, having not lost in their last 31 matches in all competitions. The midweek win over Sporting Gijón was the Catalans’ seventh league victory in a row.

Las Palmas are currently going through a difficult patch, with just one win in their last seven La Liga matches. However, their last win did come at the Estadio Gran Canaria, against Celta Vigo at the end of January.

History

The sides have met just five times this century. Barça have come out winners on three occasions while the teams have twice shared the spoils. The league meeting at Camp Nou back in September ended in a 2-1 Barça win, with two goals from Luis Suárez.

Coverage

No matter where you are in the world we have you covered. Twitter users can follow @FCBarcelona for a live feed of all the action.

Força Barça
Força Barça

Related to this article

Close article

Related to this article