Arshavin and Xavi are the talk of the Moment

Andrei Arshavin rumour does not look like going to die out soon. Actually Sport.es is keeping it on the frontpage with their daily articles of a possible Arshavin move. Guardiola has been very careful in answering questions about the russian; when asked about his interest he answered with a broad minded phrase saying that "Arshavin is a good player". I have already written about teh Arshavin factor in Barcaelona - Have a look here - Arshavin and FC Barcelona. Will a move be materialising? onli time can tell. Actually with Robben and Van Nistelrooy both injured I believe Real Madrid might go hard for the player. But then with Henry and Hleb in the kitty we may not miss Arshavin that much.

From yesterday there is another transfer rumour that is being linked to FC barcelona. Only this time it is a Barca player who is involved in these rumours - Xavi Hernandes. Manchester United Supremo, Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly looking to avail Xavi's service to strengthen his midfield. He is looking him as a possible replacement to the always injured Owen Heagraves. Alex Ferguson is looking to benefit on the apparent non-agreement between the player and FC Barcelona over a new deal. FC Barcelona has tabled a deal of about 7 million Euros plus addons for Xavi contract extension; but it looks like Xavi is not ready to settle for anything less than 9 million Euros. Xavi, the most valued player of Euro Championship is rightly deserving a salary in consistent with the best in the football. With ManU jumping into the fray; there are three clubs who openly looking to sign the player - Liverpool and Inter Milan. But everyone of the FC Barcelona fans knows that Xavi will not be leaving; this all rumours will help him in getting the package he has asked for from the club. In Barcelona it is pretty simple; if there is a President existing who will let go off any one of Messi, Xavi or Iniesta he might have to look for a better job from the next day.

Here Comes Arshavin Again

Andrei Arshavin, the russian play maker has been again linked with a possible move to FC Barcelona when the winter transfer window opens. This does not come as a surprise as I mentioned in my earlier post Arshavin Desperate to be at Barca that Sport.es is trying to get their favourite Russian in the club. Arshavin some days earlier gave an interview in which he made it clear that he doesn't want to be a Zenit player in the new year. During the summer many clubs were interested in the Russian star but a move was made impossible by the price tag Zenit atatched to their star player. But now since Zenit sees a possibility of Arshavin moving out for free in the summer, they have agreed to negotiate with club who are interested. It is yet to see where he moves to; but he has clearly stated that given an option he will chose FC Barcelona. Arshavin has been a Barca fan from the times of Romario and want to spend some time in the club.

Not surprisingly it was Real Madrid who seems to have shown the initial interest to sign him in January. Real Madrid is missing their mercurial star Robben and Van Nistel Rooy through injury and would like to have Arshavin as a back up for them. It is not yet clear whether Totenham or Arsenal will re-kindle their interest in him this winter. Arsenal for me would merit heavily from his purchase but the fact that he cannot be used in Champions League would make Wenger think twice. Now with Sport.es reporting a possible chance of Barca approaching Zeni for Arshavin; this could be a tough fight for the ultimate winner. Arshavin could be played on the left side of thepitch where we are certain to miss Iniesta for some time. Henry and Hleb has not made that position their own. But will Guardiola unsettle the squad in between a very good campaign is yet to see. If Arshavin moves in to Barca, there could be a high chance of Henry leaving to Manchester City.

FC Barcelona vs Benidorm Preview

Pep Guardiola has yet again delayed the naming of the squad against Benidorm till the time of the match. This looks like his way of keeping his players focussed. Whatever we might say it have worked in this season. FC Barcelona goes into this match in a kind of tricky position. They have won the away leg with a goal margin and are the hot favourite to proceed to next step. Already the Copa Del Rey had one big casuality in the form of Real Madrid; Madrid was outsed by an injury time goal by Real Union. As I mentioned in my previous post Copa Del Rey Awakes, for the smaller teams all match is like the final match. Today's match is Benidorm ultimate match and they can be expected to throw everything at Barca.

Pep Guardiola may not be fielding a under-strength side in tonight's match. With Madrid already out and Villareal likely to follow suit; he might be tempted not to give players from B team a start. Benidorm did really well in their home leg; but they may soon find out it is completely different playing FC Barcelona at Nou Camp. We can expect Messi, Xavi and Eto starting in the substitute bench today. So most probably Bojan, Hleb and Henry would be starting the match. Gudjonsen should be teaming with Victor Sanchez and Toure/ Busquests in the midfield. Caceres, Sylvinho, Pique and Alves should form the defense ahead of Pinto. Jorquerra is ruled out of some stomach bug. I expect a tough match but FC barcelona should be winning comfortably by atleast a couple of goals.