The name Rubin Kazan does not invoke happy memories for Barca fans. Last season, they were the one of the few teams who managed to gain an upperhand against us. Even against Inter we had a record of two wins, 1 defeat and a draw. Rubin Kazan visited Camp Nou shocking us all with a victory, and the return visit to Russia ended with a goalless draw. That draw did raised doubts about our qualification chances. In the end Barca came out of the group on top is a totally different matter. Lionel Messi who was in doubt for this clash has got the all clear from the medical team. He has been included in the squad but is definite to start the match only from the substitute bench. It would be better if he does not play in this match. Guardiola would be pretty much happy with the effort put by his team at Athletic Bilbao. This is the third extremely difficult away visit we are making within the last two weeks. First it was to Atletico Madrid, then it was to Bilbao and we all hope this vist also end up with a similiar result. Rubin Kazan will present a considerably difficult challenge to Guardiola in terms of tactics. They are definitely going to be more physical than any of the opponents we have faced this season. More over Guardiola also hasn't have registerd a victory against them.
Guardiola has announced the list of 19 players who would make the trip to Kazan - Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Milito, Maxwell, Abidal, Busquets, Mascherano, Keita, Xavi, Iniesta, Thiago, Pedro, Jeffren, Bojan, Villa and Messi. Abidal and Messi has returned into the squad meanwhile Adriano is missing due to injury. Guardiola might opt for Abidal instead of Maxwell to give some aerial cover. It is no secret that we had serious trouble dealing with aerial balls in our last match. That means we will mostly back to our traditional backline of Alves, Puyol, Pique and Milito. The rest of the line up should remain unchanged with Busquets, Keita and Xavi in midfield; Villa, Iniesta and Pedro upfront. Rubin Kazan currently lies second in Russian league and would be quite a tough opponent to crack. Our first match victory gives us some leverage and it won't be abad think to settle for a draw in this match. Iniesta's and Xavi's recent form is good news for Barca but I still think both the teams will settle for a goalless draw this time again.
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