FC Barcelona vs Deportivo Preview

FC Barcelona would be looking to obtain an all-time record of fifty points from the first nineteen games of a season with a win over Deportivo at Camp Nou. Tonight's match would effectively end the first half of the season which has been rather stunning as far as a Barca fan is concerned. Deportivo who are currently in the 7th position is looking to regain some lost glory. A good result at Camp Nou would help their cause; but taking FC Barcelona's recent form into consideration that looks mere impossible. Fc barcelona has there own things to worry to the build up of the match - first of all Messi, Iniesta, Busquets and Alves were reported to carry knocks from Copa Del Rey match. But luckily they all are declared fit and Guardiola would be having the entire team to select from. The second worry on Guardiola's mind would be concerning the last some matches. In all these matches we have to come from behind to seal the game. This may not be a cause of huge worry but everyone of us would love to see FC barcelona taking charge from the word go. Guardiola, true to his nature has not yet announced the squad.

Victor Valdes would be returning back to goal after his brief rest in mid week. Abidal, Puyol, Marquez and Alves should be foring the defense. I would love to see a more attacking looking midfield on the pitch tonight. Iniesta and Xavi would be partnering Toure in the midfield. Eto, Henry and Messi would form the attacking trio. If you look at some recent matches it is clear that Barca is yet to hit top form after winter break. Messi, Xavi and Alves looks like the only players who have closed to their peak. But still at Camp Nou I expect Barca to win comfrotably. My prediction would be a FC barcelona victory by a score line of 3-0. Iniesta is due to hit top form and it is essential that he return back to his usual form before the start of Champions League.

Pictures from FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Second Leg

FC Barcelona Reaches Quarter Final; FC Barcelona-2, A.Madrid-1

FC Barcelona made another come-back from behind victory to oversome a determined Atletico Madrid side and coast comfortably into the Quarter Finals of the Copa Del Rey. Gudjohnsen's second half strike won Barca the match after Bojan's header cancelled out Sinama Pongolle early goal. It is good to see FC Barcelona coming from behind, but the regularity with which this is occuring is alarming and this shows a lack of intent early on in the match. Guardiola have picked mostly non-regular players for this 2nd leg encounter and them conjouring up a 2-1 victory is quite appreciable. Now FC Barcelona will be facing city rivals Espanyol in the Quarter finals. Guardiola once again put faith in Pinto ahead of Jorquerra in the goal. The defense was made up of Alves, Marquez, Caceres and Sylvinho. Toure, Busquets and Gudjohnsen formed the midfield. The front three were made up of Hleb, Bojan and Iniesta.

FC barcelona expectedly dominated the early proceedings with a disallowed Marquez goal for offside in the sixth minute. In the 20th minute Hleb played the ball to Bojan who shot staright at the Goal Keeper. Slowly Atletico was coming into the game. They took the lead in the 23rd minute when Pinto failed to clear a Simao free kick and Sinama-Pongolle headed the ball into the net. In the 29th minute Barca equalised with Bojan heading past Coupet from an excellent Sylvinho cross. We were fortunate not to have conceded once again after two Caceres mistakes. In the second half Bojan missed an easy chance from a Hleb cross. The game was finished off in the 76th minute when Gudjonsen put the ball in the net after BUsquets initial shot was blocked. Iniesta wonderfully dribbled past three defenders and squared the ball to BUsquets whose shot was blocked.

FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Copa Del Rey 2nd Leg Preview

FC Barcelona enter the 2nd leg of Copa Del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid being the firm favourites to go through courtesy of a Messi inspired 1-3 victory in the first leg. But Guardiola rightly insists that the tie is far from over even with a two goal lead and three away goals. Only complacency could be the only factor which can bring down this FC Barcelona side. Atletico Madrid would be hoping that Barca players will take this tie lightly and they can catch them by surprise. But it easily said than done; last time when the Madrid side visited Camp Nou they were thrashed by a goal line of 6-0. Guardiola would be having most of his squad for selection. Xavi and Messi are not expected to start after their recent trip to Switzerland. Guardiola has not yet announced his squad, but there could be a great chance of seeing Alves and Abidal being rested. After all Alves should be the most over used player in the squad. Sylvinho had a decent outing in the first leg and can be expected to retain his place. Marquez missed the match against Osasuna and could be hoping to make a come back in to the lineup.

Pinto would be expected to guard the goal ahead of Jorquerra after a brilliant display in the first leg. Sylvinho will form the left back; but if Alves is rested then Puyol would be donning the Right back role rather than his usual Centre Back role. Pique and Marquez is expected to form the Centre of the defnese. Iniesta would form the creative head in the midfield along with Toure and Gudjonsen. Hleb, Bojan and Pedro could form a very young attacking trio. I don't expect Barca to roll over the Atletico Madrid side in this tie. My prediction would be for a 1-1 draw. This could be an excellent oppurtunity for Bojan and Hleb to showcase their skills. Bojan showed good skills once brought in in the Osasuna match. But everyone's eye would be on Iniesta; he is yet to hit top form after coming from injury. Tonight he should come good as he will get more playing time. No way this tie is over; and every Barca player should remember that. Atletico will be welcoming back Aguerra into the side. But they will be missing Maxi Rodriguez and Seitaridis due to injury and Maniche and Heitinga due to suspension.