Barcelona desperately need to turn their season around after losing three La Liga matches on the trot.
Atletico Madrid have caught up with them, and are on the same number of points atop the La Liga table, while Real Madrid are just one point behind. The recent misfortunes of the Blaugrana have let their title rivals back into the hunt for the La Liga title.
However, one advantage that Barcelona have is that both the Madrid teams are in the Champions League semi finals, which means they may have to rest some key players in the La Liga matches some time in the future.
Lineups
Deportivo La Coruna
Deportivo will have to look at some alternative options to complete the starting XI, as two of their key players are suspended. Centre-backs Alberto Lopo and Alejandro Arribas are both suspended for this game, and their absence could give the Catalans just the edge they have been lacking in the last few games.
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Manu; Pablo, Navarro, Sidnei, Laure; Borges, Mosquera; Cani, Fajr, Juanfran; Perez.
FC Barcelona
Luis Enrique also has a couple of worries in defence as star defender Gerard Pique is also suspended. Unfortunately though, backup men Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu are also injured, which means Marc Bartra may be given a start beside Mascherano in the centre-back position.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Bravo; Alba, Bartra, Mascherano, Alves; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi.
Key Stats
- Barcelona have lost their last three La Liga matches by a one-goal margin.
- The Catalans have scored four or more goals in their last three away encounters at Deportivo.
- In their last four matches against Barcelona in all competitions, Deportivo have not been able to win a single game.
- Deportivo have not won 16 of their last 17 La Liga matches.
Prediction
Deportivo La Coruna 1-2 FC Barcelona
The Catalans have clearly struggled in their last few games, and that means good news for the likes of Atletcio and Real Madrid, who are chasing them for the La Liga title. However, the Catalans have enough quality in their side to turn things around and get the winning momentum going again.
Odds (Paddy Power)
- Deportivo La Coruna: 12/1
- Draw: 11/2
- FC Barcelona: 1/5