Sporting Gijon vs. Barcelona: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule

Barcelona will take their beast of a team into Gijon for a match with a struggling Sporting Squad. Sporting has yet to notch a victory in five La Liga matches; they currently sit at 0-1-4 on the campaign.

The good news for sporting is that three of those losses were by one goal, and their last time on the pitch, they battled Racing Santander to a draw.

They are going to have to see vast improvements if they want to keep this match against the defending champs close.

Barcelona has been up and down in recent play. They have two draws in their last four La Liga matches. However, they are coming off of an impressive 5-0 showing against Atletico Madrid.

Where: El Molinon in Gijon, Spain

When: Sunday, October 2nd at 2 p.m. EST

Watch: Sky Sports 1, Sky Sports HD 1, SuperSport 3, SuperSport Maximo

Player to Watch for Sporting Gijon: David Barral

Twenty-three-year-old David Barral is emerging as Sporting's best striker. He is tied for the team lead with one goal scored this Premier League campaign and leads them with 14 shots taken.

If Gijon can crack the scoreboard in this one, it will likely be Barral that does it.

Player to Watch for Lionel Messi:

It is always a worthwhile effort to keep your eyes fixed on Lionel Messi. He is the best player on the planet, and he usually does something every match that is worth the price of admission. 

Key Matchup: Juan Pablo Colinas vs. Lionel Messi

If Sporting is going to keep this one close, then Colinas is going to have to be at his goal scoring best.

He is sure to be tested early and often, and there is no doubt that many of those tests will come from the left and right feet of Lionel Messi.

What They're Saying: More praise for Messi

This comes to us via Goal.com:

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"The 24-year-old has been in a rich vein of form this season, and his hat-trick in Saturday's 5-0 win over Atletico Madrid has put him at the top of La Liga's scoring charts, with eight goals.

"Messi has said he is looking to surpass Cesar Rodriguez's scoring record for Barcelona, and while Villa played down individual records, he noted that the diminutive forward is in a league of his own.

"'Messi does incredible things,' Villa said at a press conference. 'His stats make you cover your eyes. He cannot be compared to anyone. We are delighted.'"

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Score Prediction:

Barcelona 5

Sporting Gijon 0