FC Barcelona host RC Deportivo de La Coruña in their first game after the International Break
Barcelona have an important home game against Deportivo which is their first match since the loss against Celta Vigo.
Form
Going in to this match both teams have inconsistent form. In the last five games, Barcelona have lost once and drawn once which is poor for Barça. Deportivo only have one win in their last five games, and a total of four points in that period. Away from home, Deportivo have only gained two points in three games. This suggests that they will provide little competition for Barcelona in the upcoming match. The international break is an important factor to consider though because the previous games matter less than they usually was due to how far away they are, and the exertions of travelling for international duty.
Squads
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Barca have a few players returning from injury who could make an appearance depending on how match fit they are. These players are Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic and Samuel Umtiti. Jasper Cillessen, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto will miss the match due to injuries picked up in the international break. Neymar picked up a head injury during Brazil’s match against Bolivia, but it’s unlikely to stop him from playing. Regardless of whether any of these players are able to play this week, Barcelona still have a strong squad to call upon. Deportivo have a few injuries of their own to contend with. Joselu, Juanfran and Sidnei all have injuries going in to the match. These injuries shouldn’t hinder them too much, but the Galician side haven’t been particularly effective this season in an attacking sense because of the loss of Lucas Pérez to Arsenal.
History
Recent history suggests that Barcelona should be careful going in to this match. The last two games at Camp Nou between the two have been 2-2 draws. Each time Barça had a 2-0 lead, so they need to kill off the match as quick as possible. However, one of them matches was when Barcelona had already won the league, and in both matches Lucas Pérez was the star man for Deportivo. Therefore Deportivo shouldn’t have as much attacking threat. In a strange reversal of perceived logic, Barça have beat Deportivo 4-0 and 8-0 away from home in the last two years, so home advantage doesn’t seem to suit either team.
Playing Style
The Galicians like to play on the counter-attack against the big teams. They also like to be direct, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them send long balls up to Florin Andone as an outlet which Gerard Piqué will have to deal with. They also have players with a lot of pace such as Ryan Babel who can run on to the knock-downs from Andone, so they can be quick and direct when they want to be. These are usual tactics that Barca have to deal with aside from any specific tactical innovations by the Deportivo manager, Gaizka Garitano, on the day.
Due to the injuries to Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba, Barcelona may set up differently than usually. The uncertainty over whether Aleix Vidal can be trusted in the right-back role means that Barça may set up differently to deal with this as shown below. Personally I hope they give Vidal a second chance in the right-back role in order to build his confidence.
Playing with Vidal.
Playing with Umtiti at right-back which has been touted as an option.
Using a 3-4-3 formation like they did against Leganés to avoid using Vidal as a fullback.
The Catalans should have more than enough to dismantle this uninspiring Deportivo side. The limited threat up front from Deportivo means that Barça should be able to get a clean sheet as well.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 4-0 RC Deportivo