It is top against bottom in the league on Saturday with leaders Barça taking on a Córdoba side who currently prop up the table in La Liga as 64 points currently separate the two clubs. The Blaugrana need the win to stay at least two points clear of nearest rivals Real Madrid in the race for the league title. The home side, in contrast, are in deep trouble, some nine points from safety with just five games of the league season remaining. Many things at stake for both clubs.
Barça boss Luis Enrique appeared before the press on Friday in the traditional pre-game press conference. The former blaugrana player refused to be worried about his side’s rivals for the league title: The coach also warned that Córdoba might feel as though the pressure is off with the club almost certain to be relegated straight back to the Second Division.
Córdoba coach José Antonio Romero welcomes back Romanian striker Florin Andone to the squad after he served a one game ban in the Andalusians 1-0 defeat at Levante in midweek. Romero only has centre back Iago Bouzón out through injury with the former Celta defender unlikely to play again this season. The club’s third coach of the current season has named all his available players for the visit of Barça, including former Barça man Edu Campabadal.
The Blaugrana are on wonderful form following nine victories out of the last ten. Córdoba have picked up just 20 points in total after 34 league games this season on their return to the top flight. Their last victory came back on 12 January away at Rayo with their only win at home having come the week before against Granada.
The 18 man squad for Barcelona is as follows: Ter Stegen, Bravo, Alves, Alba, Bartra, Adriano, Mascherano, Mathieu, Piqué, Sergio, Rafinha, Rakitic, Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro, Messi, Neymar Jr and Luis Suárez.
“If we win all our games then it does not matter what our opponents do. What matters to me is that we can keep winning. They are in big trouble and that can have a liberating effect. I am convinced it will be tough.”- manager Luis Enrique