Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
The return of Leo Messi to the starting XI undisputedly helped Barca improve their game. The Argentine ace provided a brilliant assist for Frankie De Jong in the 1-0 win over Huesca, and, no doubt, the triumph helped the team regain a much-needed confidence. Barca aim to put an extra pressure on both Atletico and Real Madrid, and we are positive that they will go all guns blazing at Granada on Matchday 18.
Umtiti should be fit to face Granada, while Coutinho and Pique remain in the recovery room. Los Granadinos produced a poor display in a 2-0 loss to Eibar, which is yet another reason why we are tempted to put our money on the visitors. Barca have been showing signs of improvement of late, and we predict that they are going to pick up all three points from Saturday’s clash. Both Duarte and Foulquier return from suspension for the hosts.
Highlighted Player (Roberto Soldado):
Roberto Soldado is regarded as one of the most famous footballers in the history of Villarreal. The meaning of his surname in Spanish is “the warrior” and it has to be noted that he began his football career at Real Madrid, playing from the B team between 2002 and 2006. The pacey attacker made 16 appearances and scored two goals for the first team, but he was producing the best performances of his career during his three-year spell at Valencia.
Soldado scored 59 goals in 101 appearances for los Che, but in 2013 he signed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £26 million. The Spanish attacker, who was born on 27 May, 1985 in Valencia, scored for the Spurs on his debut in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, but he netted the goal from the penalty spot.
Soldado failed to impress in the 2014/2015 Premier League campaign with Tottenham and, as a result, he was sold to Villarreal on 14 August, 2015. Speaking of his international career, the Villarreal attacker made his Spain debut in June, 2007 against Latvia.
Highlighted Team (Barcelona):
Barcelona is a Spanish football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia. Barca were founded in 1899 and they are regarded as one of the greatest clubs in world football. The Catalan giants won their 24th La Liga title in 2016, with Luis Suarez winning “El Pichichi” award. Barcelona have won five European Cup trophies and a number of top-class players were part of the team in the past.
The likes of Hristo Stoichkov, Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Pep Guardiola are some of many players that played for Barca in the past, but, no doubt, Leo Messi has established himself as the club’s trademark. Barcelona welcome their rivals at Camp Nou, the stadium that was built in 1957.
Barcelona’s local rivals are Espanyol, but the rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid is much bigger. The two La Liga giants face each other in “El Clasico”, which is considered one of the most exciting derbies in the world football. Barca are famous for their football youth school La Masia as well.