A change of approach is needed according to coach Ernesto Valverde, because the defending champions have not won any of their last six away matches from home, stretching back to May, conceding 11 goals and scoring four. He believes the return of Lionel Messi will be a major boost and Barcelona need to be more forceful if they are to rectify their poor away form.
Everything we have been doing well at home we forget to do away. We want to change this. We must be more forceful and decisive."
A goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek is a narrow escape, having already lost to Athletic Bilbao and drawn with Osasuna in La Liga.
Lionel Messi is in line to play against Granada, who are level on points with Barcelona after making a positive start to the campaign. He had already made his first appearance of the season from the bench in Tuesday's stalemate with Dortmund.