Sunday, 23 September 2018 20:45 Barcelona Time CAMP NOU Previous Meetings SLL 25-02-2018 FT Barcelona 6 : 1 Girona SLL 24-09-2017 FT Girona 0 : 3 Barcelona VISCAELBARCA
So we beat them 6-1 here last season, and 0-3 at their place, and we play midweek games the next two weeks (liga midweeker at Leganes, followed by Athletic here, then the Wembley game v. Tottenham without Umtiti in 10 days, then tough away fixture at Valencia before another international break, congrats to Malcolm on the Brazil call up). So the question is rotation? Last time we played them at home in February and with the win we set a club record 32 game unbeaten streak. I think (in retrospect) that the streak became a bit of a distraction, though, as we started the "grand once" of last season save that Iniesta was rested for Coutinho, and Roberto was rested for Semedo, so really not far from a "grand once" game. Umtiti screwed up and gifted them the early lead in the 3rd minute last year. This year I'd like to see Umtiti rested ahead of the Wembley trip he misses. Basically, I think we'd be fine and even "safest" if Vermaelen started next to Pique, but I'd like to see Lenglet get blooded with his first Liga start for Barca. If things go well then he starts in Wembley too, if he has a so so night, we probably still win and Verm likely starts in Wembley. I'd also like to see Semedo get another rare start. Finally I'd like to see Arthur (or Arturo, but really Arthur if he's good to go) get a first Liga start as well; I know he missed training Wednesday. But he played today and made the squad list: So stands are Alena, Malcolm, Rafinha, Samper, Vermaelen (Malcolm might not have medical clearance, I think that the rest now do). Denis makes first squad since his injury I believe. Eusebio is not known for parking the bus, so Suarez (who got a hat trick in the 6-1 win) will not want to hand a start to Munir. Prediction (a bit more hope than usual?): MAtS Semedo-Pique-Lenglet-Alba Arthur-Busquets-Coutinho Messi-Suarez-Dembele Get a nice lead, ideally, and rest Busquets (Arturo or Roberto or Rakitic, or move Arthur over), rest a forward (Munir on), or even try the Umtiti-Lenglet two left footed CB pairing (as Pique will need some rest and we have 3 lefties plus Pique).
No more meme midfield of Turan and Gomes to ruin our hopes and dreams this season. And I'm angry at Mina too for his performance in the 5-0 defeat idc if we made a profit he cost us making history. Treble was on too ffs
So I nailed the 3 subs I predicted (Semedo, Lenglet, and Arthur), but EV went one better and handed a start to Arturo Vidal as well (who I hoped would start if Arthur couldn't go). So forwards unchanged but both attacking mids and two defenders are rotated. Fortunately, if things are not going well in first half we have seen EV is quick to add on Coutinho in the second half, but hopefully this crew can get it done and all four normal starters (Coutinho, Rakitic, Umtiti, and Roberto) can rest all game. The other 3 subs are Denis (first time all season after getting injured in preseason), Cillessen, and Munir. IF we get a nice lead, I'd love to see Munir spell a forward, Arthur or Arturo spell Busi (and move Denis on as attacking mid), and Umtiti spell Pique to see him pair with country man Lenglet at CB (or Umtiti could spell Alba). MAtS Semedo Pique Lenglet Alba Arthur Busquets Vidal Messi Suarez Dembele
Don't get your hopes up , Lenglet is starting today + a referee who ALWAYS ********s with us in every single game he officiate no matter if we play at home or away , but i'm glad to see Arthur in the lineup , he reminds of Xavi with the addition of bullet shots
Messi !!!! nice assist from Vidal ( we are actually creating danger from that right side with Semedo playing )
Bad give-away by Arthur there. He’s lacking match-fitness though so I won’t hold it against him. Needs more minutes.