The latest challenge for FC Barcelona is now upon them as they take on Granada CF away from home. The Catalan giants come along knowing that they have injuries in their squad, but are more than convinced about winning.
La Blaugrana will need to make do with the rotations and new additions into the squad for their latest La Liga outing. Matchday nine is upon Barcelona and Xavi Hernandez, and they must be at their best to ensure all three points are taken away from a very physical opponent in Granada.
With close to an hour left until kick-off, FC Barcelona have officially unveiled their starting XI for the clash against the men of Paco Lopez in the Los Carmenes.
In goal as always, Marc Andre Ter Stegen starts and will be looking to lead his team as the captain for Barcelona on the night. Given that it is the last game before the international break kicks off, the German international will want to record another clean sheet against a team that has struggled this season thus far.
Ahead of him, the defensive duo in the heart of the defense is comprised of French central defender Jules Kounde partnered up with Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen as they look to keep Granada at bay.
Then come the flanks for Barcelona. On either side of the central defenders, Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde take charge of the fullback positions. The pair will hope to use their technical expertise and attacking threat to provide more creativity to the team.
The midfield trio sees German veteran Ilkay Gundogan start as the team’s primary pivot, replacing Oriol Romeu for this clash against Granada. Ahead of him as his interiors, Gavi and 20-year-old Fermin Lopez start. The latter finally gets his long-awaited chance to start this season in La Liga and get to make an impact.
The frontline sees a big name not being present in it tonight. With Robert Lewandowski out injured, Ferran Torres finds his way back into the starting XI. The Spaniard starts as the centre forward while Lamine Yamal and Joao Felix cover the right and left wings respectively.