First Deby of the Season; Espanyol vs Barca Preview

Today's derby match should be the most stern test Guardiola have to face since he has taken charge of FC Barcelona. Espanyol has been a tricky place to visit for FC Barcelona in the past few years. We not only fared badly but there were some really bad memoirs. Espanyol had a very good start to this season but have stumble off in the last two matches. Their last match at Sevilla ended at a 2-0 loss. But then that's last match; they will be a very difficult side to deal with at their home. When you take into consideration the away troubles of Barca, this could be considered as a serious test of their title credentials.FC Barcelona has been in a good run; but not without any triouble. They almost managed to threw away last match against Betis. They have to keep their concentration for longer periods if they wish to come out of this match with their head held high.

Caceres was replaced by Pedro in the squad named by Guardiola. The squad consist of Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Márquez, Abidal, Busquets, Touré Yaya, Keita, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Pedro, Bojan, Messi, Henry, Eto’o. Puyol is expected to return back to the starting eleven. But Guardiola might be tempted to give Marquez rest and chose Pique instead in this match. But then the Abidal is also a problem. But the back four may be expected to be formed by Puyol, Abidal, Pique and Alves. The midfield is expected to be made up of Toure, Busquests and Xavi. The forward line up would remain unchanged with Iniesta, Messi and Eto. Henry has spoken out against the lack of playing time; but Guardiola would be doing a world of good by keeping the front trio unchanged. They looked like have settled.

FC Barcelona in the last few matches have played contrasting ways on either half of the break. In Espanyol they have to concentrate for the entire match. Any lapse in concentration would be disastrous. Barca needs to keep up their attacking instinct as when they relax they start putting huge pressure on defense and the defense crumbles.

Barca vs Real Betis Pictures

FC Barcelona Player Rating against Real Betis

Valdes - 6.5 - Had pretty little to do apart from conceding the goal. The goals were no fault of his; but would have been dissappointed with the second goal as he got a finger tip to it. Did well to stop the Capi goal in the 58th minute. Went wild when Monzon's free kick found the back of net. I thought he was going to slap Eto and Toure.

Alves - 7 - Did really well going forward. Gave away some cheap balls in second half; then that is his nature of play. Also Betis was able to find space in the left wing. But then Barca cannot complain as he is a attacking right back. Excellent cross for the third goal. In the 39th minute showcased his skill with a wonderful run into the box; his clever chip narrowly caught Castro's arm and deflected from goal.

Caceres - 6 - Was the best of the two centre back. That says it all. Did well to tackle Garcia eventhough it was quite risky. Showed real promise in the first half and came intro pressure when his midfield gave away balls cheaply.

Marquez -4 - Had a pathetic night. Was almost caught out in 27th minute to Enama. Was expected to rally the defense in the absence of Puyol. Did just the opposite.

Abidal - 5.5 - Guardiola should look to get sylvinho in his place. He has no other option or to got to three man defense. He is a disaster and puts Iniesta out of the match for most of the time.

Xavi - 6 - Had an average game. He was not at all at his best. But still made his presence. Did well on tackles. At times was sloppy with passing.

Keita - 5.5- Had a pretty ordinary night. Was in the shadow of Toure for long time. The performance fell apart in the second half.

Toure - 6.5 - Played in the starting eleven after some time. Was brilliant in the first half. He should have been given a rating of 8 for first half. Won almost all the tackles. But in the second half just dissappeared. Guardiola should have replaced him in the begining of second half.

Messi - 8.5 - For once he started to play like a team man. Created the second goal all by himself. Had some beautiful runs. Was selfish at time but was selfish at times; but that's ok. In the final hours he was simply outstansding.

Eto - 7.5 - Had a decent game. Excellent first goal and a decent finish for the second goal. Was quite for the rest of the time. Tacked back to help midfield and defense regualrly. He has not yet hit the top gear and Barca can expect great things from him once he is in full flow. Quite embarrassed by Guardiola's reaction to his celebration for the third goal.

Iniesta - 8 - He had a quiet night by his standards. But was never shut down. There were some early passes to xavi and Keita. But was kept out in the second half by his own midfield. Henry will have a difficult time convincing Guardiola that he can do better than this "Little Man".

Substitutes:

Gudjonsen - 7.5 - Won the match with a clinical finish. It was a surprise for him to get playing time. But did well. Some good running were there. He should be given more time.

Busquests - 7 - Was solid once he came. He was able to re-take the control of the midfield from betis and that helped Barcelona a lot. May be we will see him more as our DM this season.

Bojan - 6.5 - Was trying too much to impress his boss. Had a great move after he came. Failed to convert in a one on one situation. Was quick and agile; but a bit selfish. He needs to be patient.

Man Of The Match - Lionel Messi