Can Barca repeat La Liga success?

With the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga due to kick off this coming weekend, the big question is 'can FC Barcelona repeat their title winning feats of last season or will they lose out to eternal rivals Real Madrid or even Atletico?'

Barca's pre-season has certainly given their rivals cause for hope as the side coached by Luis Enrique has looked porous in defense with goalkeeper, Ter Stegen, who may or may not be first choice in the league, far from convincing.

Barca shipped nine goals in the European and Spanish Supercups which is quite a turnaround from last season when they had the meanest defense in La Liga and in Europe and something Luis Enrique will have to work on.

He will have to do so without any signings however, given that the ban imposed by FIFA as a result of irregularities over the Barca youth system is in effect until January. Barca have bought Atletico winger, Arda Turan and Sevilla wing-back Aleix Vidal, but neither will be able to play until the new year.

Barca will hope that Tomas Vermaelen can find some form after a year spoiled by injuries, that Marc Bartra can finally fulfil his promise and that key players avoid injury and suspension: something Gerard Pique has already failed to do and he will miss the first month of competition after seeing a red card in the Spanish Supercup.8 In theory Barca's first choice defense and midfield should be the same as last season given that Dani Alves signed a new contract and there have been no departures except veteran Xavi Hernandez, whose cool head may be missed at moments when they are under pressure.

Luis Enrique will be able to count on Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in the center of the part and the attacking trident of Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in attack.

Any side with that trio probably has to be favorite to win the title, given their ability to conjure a goal out of nothing, although Barca may well regret the sale of forward Pedro Rodriguez to Chelsea.

The Spain international left to find playing time which he was not going to get with Messi and company in the side, but his pace and freshness was at times vital last season and he will be missed, even though Rafinha can perform in an attacking role.

Munir and Sandro offer other alternatives in attack, but it remains to be seen whether or not they can maintain last season's progress.

A couple of injuries before Christmas could see Barca clinging on waiting for Arda and Vidal to be available and the first four months will probably be vital.

The confirmation of Josep Bartomeu as club president in this summer's elections should give off the field stability, but Bartomeu still has the worrying issue of a court case over Neymar's signing and that could well affect the dressing room, as could Messi's court case for tax avoidance, which will also happen this season and he will have to retain his focus as the press looks to have a field day with him.

Real Madrid have signed players, although it remains to be seen if they will actually be first choice, while Atletico Madrid look to have moved well in the transfer window with the arrival of Jackson Martinez and the return of Oliver.

It looks to be a three horse race and although last year's winner at the moment doesn't look to be in the best shape, Barca still have to start the title race as favorites. Enditem