Pictures from Barcelona and ManU Training sesssion

A Must win Game; Barcelona vs ManU Preview

Manchester United will be hoping to beat Barcelona in a stadium where the club's only Champions League victory was scripted. Barcelona and United have met seven times before, with both sides claiming two victories each. Barcelona had a torrid season domestically where they are virtually out of the Title race and may have to play the qualifier for the next season Champions league season. More over add to this Barcelona's perennial problem with English opponents - Barcelona have lost eight out of fifteen two legged ties against English opponents, this fact should give additional belief for Manchester United. Manchester United has a squad which is brimming with confidence and has undoubtedly one of the worlds’ inform player in the form of Christiano Ronaldo. Already this has been billed a match between the young guns - Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo. For all these positives, Manchester United's records against Spanish opponents are not that spectacular - they have lost five out of mine two-legged tie against Spanish opponents. They have played 16 time Spanish opponents in Spain, only to win just one. Barcelona's home record against English opponents is impressive, with their only tow losses coming against Liverpool. But one thing Barcelona knows for sure is that they have to win the home leg, as most of their elimination comes after a home defeat.
Thierry Henry has been declared fit for playing in today’s tie. But most probably he might have to start on the bench. Early indications from Rijkaard and all corners, indicate a high chance of Messi returning back to the starting lineup. Has he regained all the match fitness is a question which is yet to be answered? Who will partner Eto and Messi upfront is the serious topic of discussion in every Barcelona blog and forums. But early indication suggest that everyone prefer Iniesta, as I written in my last post Should Henry Start against Manchester United. If Iniesta moves upfront then Gudjonsen might partner Xavi and Toure in the midfield. Toure had an excellent last match, hope he can repeat the same today also. Hope Rijkaard does not rush deco to start has he has no match practice. The other option up front is Iniesta moving to middle with Bojan starting on the left. But looking at the importance of this match, it would be wise to start the youngsters on the bench. Thuram has been included in the squad, but most probably we might find Marquez and Milito partnering again in the centre. For those who are wondering where Puyol is, let me remind you that he remains suspended for this match. Zambrotta is expected to start on the right and Sylvinho is expected to start on the left.

Barcelona forwards will be hoping that lady fortune partner them in this tie. But their defense has to be on their toes against the likes of Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo. Valdez should be on high alert as they will constantly raid the Barcelona goal mouth. Ferguson is expected to pack the midfield with defensive players to cut down Barcelona’s possession.

Should Henry Start against Manchester United?

With Manchester United arriving at Barcelona, all the focus now shifts to the first leg Champions league semi final tie. Barcelona with their above average performance against Espanyol seriously raises some hopes among Barca supporters. Yes, i do agree that we couldn't score a goal, but altogether we played well in that match. But it looks like all the good work from the match will be spoiled by the players like Eto who finds the perfect timing to deliver another stupid outburst. Anyway leave that let's come to the topic. There has been numerous theory running around the net about Barcelona's starting eleven for Wednesday. This is my attempt to add more confusion into already whirling pool.

One of the major questions in most of the Barcelona supporters mind is "Will Thierry Henry start?" There are too many people not in favour of it and some who is in favour of it. The major fact put forward by those who supports the inclusion of the French striker, is his vast experience and success in English Premier League. He should be more adapt in dealing with an English opponent that any other in the squad. But those who are not in favour with his inclusion quickly may point out the tons of failure and disappointment from Henry this season. His arrival was supposed to give Barcelona more strength and valor in taking down the big clubs in Europe. But the truth is that he has not yet made the transition to Spanish style of play. Most of the time he looks completely confused on the ground and his recent complaining of he being played out of his position will not go well with Catalan supporters. Now comes the question of what I think about Henry starting the lineup? My answer is an absolute no. But let me re assure you all that the above mentioned facts are not the primary reason for me arriving at this decision. One thing is sure that Henry is nowhere at his best and if he start may play well, but why to take a chance?

If you look at Manchester United defense their perceived weakness lie at the full back positions. I am not sure whether Neville will start ahead of Brown, but it looks very doubtful. Brown is the possible weak link in that line up, whereas Evra on the other hand looks more solid. Even then Messi should not have too much trouble getting past him. Here comes the problem - if you have watched Messi in the last game he looked very sharp in the beginning and then looked a bit tired towards the end. It may be because of the lack of match practice; hence I may not be surprised if I see Messi starting on the Bench. Hence it becomes very essential to utilise the perceived weakness on the other end. On the current form Henry may not be able to utilise this to the fullest extent, then whom are you going to deploy to do that. Giovanni may not but Iniesta very much will do that. He has played very well in that position earlier also and his small stature and agility will enable him get past Brown easily. He looked extremely good in the last match, and looked very comfortable playing on the left. There could be a doubt of Barcelona attack losing its aerial ability, but that can be compensated by including Gudjonsen in the midfield. Gudjonsen and Iniesta can switch their positions very often to create confusion in the Manchester United ranks. Gudjonsen did not have a great last match, but he looks more solid than Henry and Giovanni. Seeing the form in which ManU is in, it will be essential to use all their perceived weakness.