Struggling Granada could feel the wrath of Barcelona after the Catalans slipped from the first place in the standings following the goalless draw against Sevilla.

Newly promoted side Granada are struggling to cope with the demands of the Spanish top flight, although the good news is that they are, nonetheless, just one point adrift of safety.

Heavy summer recruitment hasn’t produced expected results as some of the new players are still trying to adapt to the new surroundings, with the team taking just two points from last five games.

While losing all four away games, Granada are unbeaten in last three at home, although the run is likely to come to an end very soon.

Despite all the problems, Fabri Gonzalez’s side do seem to have enough quality to survive this season even if they are just 1.45 (9/20) with Sportingbet to get relegated.

Starting midfielders Hassan Yebda and Carlos Martins have been sidelined with muscle injuries, while David Cortes remains long-term casualty.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Roberto – Nyom, Mainz, Inigo Lopez, Siqueira – F. Rico – Uche, Abel, M. Rico, Benitez – Geijo.

Barcelona enter this match looking to make amends for the slip up against Sevilla, and it is a good thing that the next game is coming so quickly as the players won’t have a lot of time to think about the under-par performance against los Rojiblancos.

The Catalans went into the Sevilla game high on confidence, having had won their last five games in all competitions, but they were up against a very good opponent.

The visitors defended well throughout the game and even when the back line would allow their opponents to test keeper Javi Varas, the 29-year-old was at his best and managed to keep opposition strikers at bay.

Lionel Messi had a glorious opportunity to bring his side a victory as Barca were awarded a penalty in injury time, but the Argentine’s shot was saved by amazing Varas and the game ended goalless.

There are no doubts that Pep Guardiola’s side would be very motivated to record a morale-boosting victory over Granada, with Barcelona 2.08 (27/25) with 188BET to beat -2.5 Asian handicap.

Gerard Pique has resumed training after recovering from a hamstring injury, but he is unlikely to be risked, whereas Carles Puyol and Alexis Sanchez remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-3): Valdes – Alves, Mascherano, Abidal – Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas – Pedro, Messi, Villa.