Luis Enrique is ready for Barcelona’s 100 per cent record in La Liga to come under severe threat from high-flying Celta Vigo at the Balaidos on Wednesday.
Celta were among Barca’s toughest opponents last season, winning 1-0 at the Nou Camp in November and then being unfortunate to suffer a narrow defeat by the same scoreline in April.
Enrique’s former club have also made a very strong start to the new campaign, with the Galicians heading into tonight’s fixture in joint second place after gathering 10 points and scoring 10 goals in their opening four games – including an impressive victory at Europa League holders Sevilla on Sunday.
– RATE, SHARE & WIN: ValoraFutbol Fan Ratings
– La Liga Fans’ Top 5: Lionel Messi leads the pack
– VIDEO: How to win a day with Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Barca youth trainee Nolito – a potential transfer target for the Catalan club in the upcoming January transfer window – has been the main danger man registering four goals to become La Liga’s second-highest scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Enrique said: “It will be extremely difficult because of the characteristics of the opponents and their current form.
“Last season is a warning to us – we really struggled. This summer Celta had a great transfer window, and they have a very attractive style of play. They will put pressure on us and take advantage of any errors.”
Enrique will restore Andres Iniesta, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba to the starting line-up after resting them from Sunday’s win over Levante, while Gerard Pique is also available after serving his four-game suspension.
With Dani Alves also back to fitness, Barca will be close to full strength for the first time this season, although goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is still absent through injury and midfielder Rafinha faces a six-month spell on the sidelines after yesterday undergoing an operation for a cruciate ligament injury.
Enrique also confirmed that Lionel Messi will continue to take Barca’s penalties, despite missing for the second time this season when he blazed over from the spot during their 4-1 victory over Levante on Sunday night.
One of the many ex-Barca players within the Celta ranks is central defender Sergi Gomez, who is greatly relishing the opportunity to compete against the club he first joined at the age of 14.
Fellow defenders Carles Planas and Andreu Fontas, as well as forward Nolito, were also with Barca as youngsters, and Gomez admitted, “It will be a special game for us.
“If we are at the right level, physically and mentally, we can beat anyone. The key will be for us to take the initiative.”