Barcelona vs. Sporting Gijon: Preview, Start Time and More

Barcelona is set to host Sporting Gijon—a team they should easily handle—on March 3. 

This is a match that Barca cannot afford to lose. They trail Real Madrid by 10 points, and with just 14 La Liga matches left, every one is going to be vital. 

Meanwhile, Gijon will be playing for straight pride. Well, that and a chance to stay out of the relegation zone. They are second to last in La Liga action and haven't won in their last six matches. 

Where: Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain

Watch: GolTV USA, GolTV-Canada, Sky Sports 4/HD, ESPN Australia

When: Saturday, March 3 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Most Important Player to Watch: Xavi 

Xavi is going to be front and center for Barcelona. Barca will not have the services of Lionel Messi for this match, and that means more of the burden of the offense is going to Xavi's capable feet. 

Key Matchup: Juan Pablo Colinas vs. Barca Attack

The only way Gijon stays in this match is if Colinas plays out of his goalkeeping mind. Barcelona is going to get their chances

They will overwhelm Gijon's back line. Colinas is going to have to save them if they stand a chance. 

What They're Saying

Barcelona's Seydou Keita isn't playing much for Barca, and he is drawing some interest from other clubs. The ESPN Soccer Net Staff has more on this. 

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Liverpool have this week been linked with a summer swoop for Keita, Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez and Lille's in-demand forward Eden Hazard. The player's words on Tuesday will encourage the Reds to firm up their interest.

"I am flattered by the interest of Liverpool Football Club, one of the biggest clubs in the world," said Keita, who has two years left on his deal at Barca. "However, let's wait until the end of the season with Barcelona and see what happens.

"I love Barcelona and it is difficult to find a better team than them, but I am ambitious and want to play football week in, week out.

"A challenge somewhere else is attractive to me and Liverpool are a top team with very good players."

 

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Prediction: Barcelona 3, Sporting Gijon 1

Barcelona is not going to lose to Sporting Gijon at home. They have too much talent and pride.