Granada CF vs Barcelona preview - Babin targets Barcelona scalp

Granada defender Jean-Sylvain Babin believes Malaga have revealed the formula for beating Barcelona and will go into Saturday's match at the Estadio Los Carmenes full of optimism.

Barcelona won plaudits for their midweek 2-1 away win over Manchester City in the Champions League, but their last league outing was a shock 1-0 home defeat to Malaga which has left them four points adrift of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Given their midweek display, few would bet against Barca getting their title push back on track against lowly Granada but Babin has other ideas.

"There is a formula to stop (Lionel) Messi," Babin said on La Liga television.

Reflecting on Malaga's performance, he insisted that Barca can be beaten, adding: "If you defend very well, staying close between the lines, and then quickly counter-attacking and keeping the ball."

While Barca fret over allowing a gap to open at the top of the table, Granada's situation is far more desperate as they sit in 19th place, four points adrift of Elche in 17th place.

"We need three points and cannot fail," Babin said. "The fans and the club did not deserve this situation and we are fighting to change it."

The club's plight has not dissuaded midfielder Fran Rico from signing a new five-year contract with Granada, while Barca are celebrating a new contract for Sergio Busquets.

However there is fresh speculation over the future of veteran playmaker Xavi, with New York City FC director of football operations Claudio Reyna revealing late on Thursday that his club are still interested in signing the 35-year-old and reuniting him with David Villa.

"It is true that we have tried to sign him," Reyna told TV3. "Next year we need new franchise players. The door remains open."