Barcelona continue to win trophies with the Catalans lifting the European and Spanish Super Cups prior to the start of La Liga’s 2011-12 season. Barca will be favorites to repeat as champions for the obvious reasons such as the magic and goals of Lionel Messi as well as the familiarity of several of the starters with each other. In addition, Xavi’s and Andres Iniesta’s passing and movement have proven time and again to be critical for the club’s success.

Players such as Messi, Xavi and Iniesta have been playing together for many years creating a telepathic understanding between them. With the addition of talented players such as Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanches, Barca’s management has done well to add both depth and quality. However, there are a number of factors which could expose Barca’s weaknesses and prevent them from repeating as league champions. Below is a list of some of the important conditions which could influence the fate of the club’s title defense:

1) Defensive concerns: Barcelona’s back-line could be exposed if captain Carles Puyol suffers another injury ravaged season. Barca opted not to add quality at the centre-back position believing Argentina’s Javier Mascherano can continue to cover and operate effectively while Puyol is out. Even if Puyol is healthy, the Catalans will be fighting on several fronts and the lack of able substitutes could be costly. Another midfielder and Spain international Sergio Busquets has been used as a centre-back with injury concerns also involving the other defender Gerard Pique. ,