Las Palmas vs Barcelona - Enrique braces Barcelona in push for LaLiga title

Posted Sunday, May 14, 2017 by PA

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique believes his side face a difficult task as they look to maintain their LaLiga title push with a long trip to Las Palmas.

The Catalan club sit at the top of the table on the basis of their superior head-to-head record over Real Madrid.

However, Real Madrid have a game in hand over their rivals as they bid to earn their first domestic crown since 2012.

Barcelona have won their last five league matches, including a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid, and have scored 20 goals in the process.

But Enrique is not expecting an easy ride in the Canary Islands on Sunday.

The 47-year-old told fcbarcelona.com: "It is a game of huge difficulty. They play some of the best football in the division, as well as having had an excellent season.

"At home, (Las Palmas) are one of the most dangerous teams, as they have a collective approach implemented by their manager. The squad is prepared to overcome any challenge."

Barcelona still harbour ambitions of a league and cup double, and Enrique insists his side believe they can win more than one piece of silverware.

He added: "The mindset of the players, the coaching staff and of the club is to go after the two titles we are still involved in.

"We will use the system which will give us the biggest advantage, we do not line up according to the set-up of the opponent."

Defender Jeremy Mathieu is a doubt for the visitors with an ankle injury, and a muscle injury is set to rule out fellow France international Lucas Digne.

Right-back Sergi Roberto is suspended while Lionel Messi will look to break an unwanted record as the Estadio Gran Canaria is the only current LaLiga stadium where the Argentinian forward has not scored.

Quique Setien announced earlier in the week that he will be stepping down as Las Palmas boss at the end of the season and is hoping for a victorious final home match.

He told udlaspalmas.es: "This is a special game, we owe our fans a good performance for many reasons. As a professional I will accept whatever kind of memory I leave with the fans. The greatest satisfaction for me will be to give something for the fans to shout about.

"I will always remember my time here on this island. I am leaving with the recognition that the team has played good football."

Tana (Achilles) and Vicente Gomez (muscle) will not be risked while Kevin-Prince Boateng (foot) and Dani Castellano (thigh) are ruled out for the clash with the league leaders.

Setien admits it will be difficult to stop Barcelona's forward line if they are in top gear.

He said: "Barcelona have the league title at stake and that makes them a much tougher opponent. Even if we are at the top of our game, they can really hurt us.

"Barcelona play a different kind of football to the rest of us. When Messi, Neymar and (Luis) Suarez pull together they multiply their effectiveness. They are unstoppable. We hope they come out a bit sleepy and are unable to show their magic."