Barcelona will be expected to record another easy win in the La Liga this season as they face newly-promoted side Las Palmas in their sixth match of the league this season.
On ----paper, it might look just another comfortable victory for Luis Enrique and co, but they need to be worried about their performances in the previous La Liga game in the midweek when they clashed against Celta Vigo.
The defending champions registered a shock 4-1 loss against the Spanish outfit, who are currently second in the La Liga. Lionel Messi and co. were completeley dominated on every aspects of the game, by their opponents on the day. Neymar scored the consolation for Barcelona on the day, but could not prevent his side from losing their undefeated status, as well as the lead in the table.
Enrique's side currently remain fifth in the La Liga table with 12 points.
"The loss in Vigo teaches us how tough it is to win," Enrique said. "What we look at is how much offense the team generates. As far as effectiveness, it's been tougher for us than usual."
However, the Spanish manager has said that he has a ray of hope as he looks ahead to the game against Las Palmas, who are playing in Spain's top division after a 13-year hiatus. "I have no doubt that it is a temporary issue," he emphasised. "The team will score goals."
"It would be very easy to call out individual errors, but we look at it as a team issue. Goalkeepers don't give up goals [by themselves], the whole team does," he added.
Las Palmas come into this game at the back of a 2-0 win against Sevilla at home in the midweek to secure their first win of the season, and they currently stay on the 12th spot, with five points from five games.
"I'm happy, but not just because we won our first match since returning to the Primera, but because the team continues to grow, compete and has more confidence in the attack," said an optimistic Paco Herrera, manager, Las Palmas.
Team news:
Barcelona: Claudio Bravo, Thomas Vermaelen and Rafinha, are all set to miss the game, as they currently recover from injuries. Enrique will however have options to strengthen the team's left-back as Jordi Alba returns, along with forward Sandro Ramírez, in the game.
Las Palmas: Defender Angel Lopez and midfielder Javi Castellano are both ruled out of the game owing to injuries for Paco Herrera's side.
Expected line-ups:
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Roberto; Messi, Suarez, Munir.
Las Palmas: Varas; Simon, Alcaraz, Artiles, Bigas, D Castellano; Mesa, Hernan, Mubarak; Viera, Araujo.
Where to watch Live
Barcelona vs Las Palmas kicks off at 3pm BST (7.30 pm IST, 10 am ET).
Indian viewers can catch the game on Sony Kix and Sony Six HD. Live streaming option - Liv Sports.
UK viewers can catch the game on Sky Sports 2/HD, with an online streaming option on Sky Go.
Audience in the US and Canada can catch the game on beIN SPORTS, and beIN SPORTS En Espanõl (US - Spanish), with the streaming option on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Viewers in Spain can catch the Spanish league game on Canal+ Liga/HD.
