La Liga Preview: Barcelona - Deportivo La Coruña

Barcelona's supporters could be forgiven for thinking that things could not be much sweeter at the moment as their team ride high both domestically and in Europe, while Real Madrid's campaign continues to attract all the wrong headlines.

The Blaugrana know full well what it is like to be in what the media love to call a crisis in Spain, having not won a major trophy since 2006, but now that all looks set to change.

No sympathy will be heading down the A2 to the Santiago Bernabéu after Madrid revelled in Joan Gaspart's exit three years ago and then in Barça's struggles last term.

Ramón Calderón's exit may herald a change of direction with Los Merengues in much the same way that when Gaspart left Camp Nou, Joan Laporta's arrival was a breath of fresh air.

The current Barça supremo may have had his critics earlier this year when a small group of fans tried to oust him, but there is no denying that he has overseen a dramatic turnaround this term.

Complete Transformation

Appointing Pep Guardiola was a very brave choice at the time when many were clamouring for a big name to replace Frank Rijkaard at the end of last season, and even the harshest critic must be enjoying the transformation in the club's fortunes.

FC Barcelona are in such good form, in fact, that Deportivo's coach, Miguel Ángel Lotina, has stated that he thinks that his side will lose and is preparing his players to face that fact.

Guardiola may not have been taken in as he believes it to be a poor attempt to weaken his side, but Lotina may actually feel that his improving Galician outfit do stand little chance of taking something from Camp Nou.

In years gone by, Depor recorded some impressive results at Barça, but the Catalan club's incredible run this term means that a win on Saturday would set a record for the highest ever points haul from the opening phase of a top-flight season in Spanish football.

While a win may not attract many headlines as it has become the norm in the past six months, Barça will not mind if their team's efforts are overshadowed by the continuing problems at Real Madrid.


RECENT FORM

FC Barcelona

14/01 H 2-1 Atlético de Madrid
11/01 A 3-2 Osasuna
06/01 A 3-1 Atlético de Madrid
03/01 H 3-1 Real Mallorca
21/12 A 2-1 Villarreal
13/12 H 2-0 Real Madrid

Deportivo La Coruña

14/01 H 0-3 Sevilla
10/01 H 1-3 Sevilla
07/01 A 1-2 Sevilla
04/01 A 2-1 Getafe
21/12 H 4-1 Recreativo
17/12 H 1-0 Nancy


TEAM NEWS

FC Barcelona

Guardiola will not name his 18-man squad until the day of the game, but several players are due to return to action after being rested in midweek. Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Dani Alves and Sergio Busquets all trained on Friday having reported various injuries.

Probable Starting XI: TBA

Deportivo La Coruña

The visitors have named a 19-man squad to travel to Camp Nou and one player will be told that he will not be taking part shortly before the match.

Probable Starting XI: TBA


PREDICTION

The only brave thing about this prediction is the one on Depor's side because the Blaugrana's defence at home has rarely been breached this term. Barça may not net four if the visitors play ten men behind the ball, but it would be good to see an open game played by a smaller club at Camp Nou for once.

FC Barcelona 4-1 Deportivo La Coruña

Lucas Brown, Goal.com