BARCELONA TRAINING SESSION AT OLD TRAFFORD

Gearing Up for The Theatre of Dreams

Barcelona may repeat the same side which faced Manchester United at Camp Nou for the second leg tie at “The Theatre of Dreams". For once I expected the players who were not involved in the first leg, to push seriously for their inclusion in the match against Deportivo. Nothing of that sort has happened and Rijkaard in all probability start Bojan, Henry and Gudjonsen on the bench. The only change to the side will be Puyol coming back to strengthen the back four instead of Marquez who is suspended. The other players to miss out were Giovanni who is replaced by Edmilson, Ezquerra and Oleguer. Ronaldinho from club's explanation is injured and is automatically not selected. So the final squad list is Valdes, Pinto, Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Edmilson, Toure Yaya, Deco, Iniesta, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Bojan, Eto’o, Henry and Messi. Toure missed Sunday’s training session with a heavy bruise to his right ankle, but he is expected to make the line up for Tuesday.

Manchester United also have some injury concerns with Rooney and Vidic, both the players have to be substituted in the match against Chelsea. But both are expected to be fit for Barcelona match. After the first leg tie, everybody will be hoping that the second leg lives up to its expectation. Old Trafford is one of the toughest places to visit and when you consider Manchester United's form this season and Barcelona's this season, this could indeed turn up as a disaster for Barcelona. Amongst all these negatives Barcelona's performance in the first leg gives ample hope. Barcelona might find enough space to exploit at Old Trafford. But Barcelona's weakness in front of the goal could very well turn up to be a decisive factor. Another decisive factor is the lack of pace this season and it will become essential as we may not be that effective at counters. But again this could be the night of Messi, who along with Iniesta could conjure up a very memorable night.

No Messi to Deportivo

Rijkaard has announced a squad without Messi, Xavi and Eto for the trip to Deportivo La Coruna. Add to this list the already suspended Milito and Iniesta, the entire team looks completely different from the one which did well against Manchester United. Rijkaard might have rested so many regulars with an eye on the second leg Champions League encounter against Manchester United. But Messi did look like a bit short on match practice and could have used to get into full swing in this game. Deco is expected to start in order to get more match practice, but mark my word Toure is expected to start on the bench along with Zambrotta.

In the absence of so many regulars, we can expect Bojan and Giovanni to start along with Henry upfront. Deco, Gudjonsen and Ezquerra might form the midfield. Deportivo is never an easy place to travel, especially taking into the fact that they managed to secure 22 points from their last nine matches. This could be weekend where Real Madrid officially wins the crown. For Barcelona getting a draw out of this match should be a great result. But they should be vary of the second place Villareal, and keep with them in the points tally for the automatic qualification spot.