Osasuna vs Barca Preview

Xavi Hernandez would be playing his 300th game in the FC Barcelona jersey in today's match against Osasuna. Osasuna lies in the bottom of table and hence this is the clash between the best and worst side of this season. Osasuna has shown some good showing in last few games but it will be too much for them to hold their fort against Barca. But they can take refuge on the fact that Barca has really struggled to overcome teams which are in the bottom three this season. And hence this is not going to be a easy game for FC Barcelona. The key will be the early goal; if Osasuna can go to the break without conceding then they will have real chance to get something out of this game. Pep Guardiola have announced the squad in advance - Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Piqué, Caceres, Abidal, Sylvinho, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry. Gudjohnsen, Eto, Puyol all returns to the squad. Marquez is suspended for this encounter. But all the eyes will be on two players- first one is Messi, it is to be seen whether he is going to continue his great show against Atletico. The second one will be Iniesta; Iniesta who is back from injury has not hit top form in last two matches.

Valdes should return to the goal eventhough Pinto was excellent in the Copa Del Rey match. Puyol, Pique should form the central defense with Abidal and Alves on each side. Probably Guardiola may go in for an attacking minded midfield with Iniesta and Xavi partnering Toure. Especially when it is clear that Osasuna would be looking to defend it's better to have more creativity in the midfield. Messi, Henry and Eto should form the attacking trio. I don't expect this to be a cakewalk but expect Barca to win it by two goals. My prediction id a Barca victory with a scoreline of 1-3.

FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Copa Del Rey Pictures

Messi takes Atletico for a Ride; Atletico-1, Barca-3

FC Barcelona took a firm step forward in moving to the next round of Copa Del Rey with a 3-1 victory at Vicente Calderon against Athletico Madrid. It was the astonishing talent of Lionel Messi, who scored all goals Barca of the night which became the difference between the two sides. The crowd who was expecting their side seek revenge for the 6-1 drubbing by Barca the last time when the sides met was very hostile from the word go, but then you can't blame them for that. But they deservedly gave Lionnel Messi a standing ovation when he was finally replaced by Pedro in the 80th minute. Little Lionnel has described the standing ovation as a very special moment in his playing career. Guardiola chose Pinto ahead of Jorquerra in the goal. The defense was made up of Alves, Caceres, Pique and Sylvinho. In a rather defensive looking midfield Toure played the defensive midfielder's role. On his eitherb side Busquets and Keita were chosen. Henry was given a rest; that means Iniesta, Bojan and Messi formed the attacking trio.

The first attack of the night came from the home team with Pinto rushing off his line to clear the danger possessed by Sinama. Next it was Maniche's chance to test the Barca keeper but his shot was easily dealt by Pinto. On the other hand Keita got Barca's challenge forward with a great attempt at goal but only for Coupet to deny it. In the 12th minute Barca went ahead with a neat finish by Messi after a delightful one two with Messi and Alves. Maniches had one shot saved by Pinto in the 28th minute. In the 36th minute Keita wasted a great oppurtunity to go two up from a delightful Alves cross. The second half also had the same pace as the first. In the 55th minute Heitinga was given a straight red card for a foul on Messi when he looked to score from another Alves cross. The resulting penalty was converted by Messi to take Barca 2-0 up. In the 69th minute Athletico pulled one back when Ujfalusi headed from a corner. Barca retained the two goal lead in the 80th minute when Messi slotted past Coupet from a Iniesta pass. FC Barcelona will be playing the reverse leg at home in two weeks time. They already looked to set to proceed for the next round. But complacency could be the biggest enemy.