Pep Delays Naming Of Squad Against Almeria

Pep Guardiola has refused to name the final squad against Almeria till the time of match. So there will be real excitement this time about who is going to miss from the squad. The guaranteed absentees are Keita, Pedro, Milito and Gudjonsen, who all are out injured. Whatever Barca fans would be expecting their team to extend their winning streak to nine match in all competitions. Last season FC Barcelona saw off the Almeria challenge with goals from Messi and Henry. Almeria has been the surprise package of last season, and they are making sure that they are not called a one season wonder. It is essential for FC Barcelona to hit top form before they take on Sevilla, Valencia, Real Madrid and Villarreal one after other.

We can expect Eto and Iniesta to make a come back to the side after being rested in the match against Basel. Eto, Iniesta and Messi should form the attacking trio. Xavi should lead the midfield along with Toure. The third person in that midfield will be tricky; Almeria will be definitely tougher than Basel and you need a atatck minded player there. Either Iniesta can drop to the middle or Victor Sanchez has to take the responsibility. I am not in favour of putting Busquests and Toure in the midfield together. The back four should see Abidal returning along with Pique to form the defense with Puyol and Alves. Anyway Victor Valdes is the only certainity under Guardiola. FC Barcelona fans might be expecting a goal rout from their players. I have a feeling that they may not be dissappointed.

FC Basel vs FC Barcelona Pictures 22-10-08

Barca player rating against FC Basel

Valdes - 6 - Contrast to the weekend, Valdes was more tentative. He was struggling to collect regular crosses. The toothless Basel attack was the main reason he was able to keep a clean sheet.

Alves - 8 - Best game of his season. Was trmendous going forward. Penetrated the defense with a great no-look pass to messi which resulted in the first goal. Was instrumental throughout the match.

Marquez -7 - After a series of poor performance we saw the real Marquez today. Didn't have too much to do but was solid especially in front of a tentative Goal Keeper.

Puyol - 7.5 - Like Marquez had nothing much to do throughout the match. marshalled his boys tremendously.

Sylvinho - 6.5 - Was great when going forward. Appeared to have caught once or twice in defense. Showed great presence on the pitch especially considering the lack of match practice.

Xavi - 8.5- Performed like a true Gladiator. Was slotted as the only creative head in the midfield. Was tremendous. Scored one goal created one for Busquests and was involved in every move.

Toure - 8 - Because of the number of goals scored nobody noticed his performance. Gave a majestic performance. Won 95% of his tackles. Played the role of DM to near perfection. Guardiola would have to think twice now to overlook him for DM role.

Busquests - 7.5 - Great performance. Scored one goal and created one for Bojan. May not have won all the tackles but is improving by leaps and bounds. Answered his critics who claimed that he is toothless when going forward.

Messi - 9 - Was all over the pitch in the right sense. Cool finish for the first goal and was involved in every move. May have been a bit selfish at times but if he is in this kind of form we all can live with that.

Bojan - 8 - Great performnace. Scored twice but issed atleast three good chance. But that's ok. He would feel great with the start and the goals.

Hleb - 7.5 - Did well to stay in the match. At times the lack of match practice showed. But was good on the left side. Will have a tough time to keep that spot ahead of Iniesta.

Substitutions:

Henry - 6.5 - Missed a great header. Overall was good and came at a time when Barcelona was cooling off.

Caceres and Victor Sanchez - 6 - Decent performance.

Man of the Match - Lionel Messi