Image copyright: Getty Images
2021/22 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 20
Granada v Barcelona
Nuevo Estadio Los Carmenes
Granada, Spain
Saturday, 8 January 2022
Kick-off is at 18h30
Barcelona will be seeking back-to-back wins in La Liga for only the second time this season when they take on Granada at Los Carmenes on January 8.
The Blaugrana are way off the pace in the title race after winning just eight of their 19 league matches to sit fifth in the standings, 15 points adrift of table-topping Real Madrid.
However, Barca are slowly starting to turn the corner following the return of club legend Xavi, who replaced Ronald Koeman at the helm on November 6.
The Catalan giants have suffered only one defeat under his guidance - 1-0 to Real Betis - and a 1-0 victory at Real Mallorca on January 2 extended their unbeaten run to four outings.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Xavi was delighted with the shift his team put in at Mallorca given that 17 players were unavailable due to injuries and COVID-19.
"It's an amazing victory for us, because we had 17 players out today, so it means a lot," the Spaniard said.
"It means we are a team, we are a family, we are a really big group. We competed really well so I'm really happy.
"This win means a lot. We need to continue and keep going like that because the team made a great effort today."
The Nazaries went through the month of December undefeated and the 0-0 draw at Elche on January 2 saw them go six games without losing.
Robert Moreno's side are seven points clear of the relegation zone in 13th place after registering five wins, eight draws and six losses from their opening 19 fixtures.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Moreno chose to look at the positives following the stalemate in Elche, although he felt his team should have created more chances to win.
"The point is good. We keep a direct rival at seven points," he told the press. "We have generated opportunities and perhaps we should have generated more.
"What we do in games is focus on what we can control. We have not lost for six games and scoring points... We are going to try to see the positive side."
Head-to-Head (La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 18
Granada - 3
Barcelona - 14
Draws - 1
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action & heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.