Saturday, 17 February 2018 16:15 BARCELONA TIME STADIUM IPURUA - EIBAR PREVIOUS MEETINGS SLL 19-09-2017 FT Barcelona 6 : 1 Eibar SLL 21-05-2017 FT Barcelona 4 : 2 Eibar SLL 22-01-2017 FT Eibar 0 : 4 Barcelona VISCAELBARCA
Entering with four yellow cards: Alba, Suarez Upcoming Liga fixtures: J25 (H) Girona J26 (A) Las Palmas J27 (H) Atlético Madrid
I'm sorry but this time your post is not abiding by the rules. A Barca goal in the 89th to make it 2-1 and a loss is not a crucial goal. Perhaps rephrase A first Barca goal will be crucial. Thank you for your cooperation to keep the momentum.
The big questions that occur to me are: (1) how are Pique and Vermaelen doing injury wise? Umtiti is back from suspension and will presumably pair with Mina, as they will want to get Pique as much rest/recuperation before Chelsea. That sort of leads to my point (2) how much rotation before Chelsea? On the one hand we come to this game after not playing for 5 days (6 days after last match), which is great. However, Chelsea game is really important, and we just have 2 days off, 3 days. So could see not just Pique but others rested. A nice early lead would be divine (not saying it happens, just hoping) as we could then sub off 3 of Chelsea starters. Last point (3) is just that this is one of the first games where we have our full complement of new players: Coutinho, Dembele, and Paulinho ready to help Leo, Luis, Sergio, Andres, and Ivan (but we have only space for 6 of those 8, and that ignores Aleix, Paco, Denis, and Gomes). Depth is a good problem to have especially late in the season. Could see Valverde deciding his grand once for Chelsea and working backwards in terms of who most needs rest to be at their best. So could see Pique and Iniesta rested all game, for instance, and maybe Sergio, Jordi, and Ivan subbed out, especially if we can get a lead sooner than later.
As long as Digne and Vidal don't appear on the flanks at the same time, I would be happy. I have a feeling though that Gomes will be present in the starting 11. Paulinho is getting a lot of rest, and I think he could play the full 90 here and give an hour against Chelsea (though if everyone stays fit, I don't think he would start in the Champions League).
Could happen though with Umtiti's return and Chelsea match looming. I'd like to see Semedo start this one though.
Sport summarizes coach's dilemma: https://www.sport-english.com/en/news/barca/ernesto-valverdes-big-dilemma-ahead-of-key-week-6623413 here's a quote from the link: What seems clear is that Philippe Coutinho will play from the off against Eibar. He cannot play in the Champions League, having featured in it for Liverpool, so can play and Iniesta can rest in La Liga.
The 18-man squad for the game is: Ter Stegen, Cillessen, Semedo, Piqué, Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Digne, Sergi Roberto, Yerry Mina, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Coutinho, Paulinho, Aleix Vidal, Messi, Luis Suárez and Dembélé. Out - not yet cleared medically though back to training - Vermaelen. Out - partner just had a baby - Paco Out - hasn't played in a month since Sociedad match - Denis Out! - Gomes Prediction: MAtS Roberto-Pique-Umtiti-Alba Paulinho-Raki-Busi-Coutinho Leo-Luis This already rests Iniesta and of course we could see others rested too but we really need 3 points after letting our lead diminish. Then if we can get control of the match rest 3 players who will start against Chelsea, such as Pique, Alba, Busi, Raki, Leo, or Luis.
¡Ipurua se prepara para el #EibarBarça! ⚽🔛 https://t.co/heLrLSeHRb— LALIGA (@LaLiga) February 17, 2018
Pretty much the best xi starting/ the same as we could see against Chelsea. I guess EV’s worried about rust with no matches last midweek.
I am Ok with this eventhough disappointed Coutinho is not starting. The team didn't play mid-week, so players being tired for the game vs Chelsea shouldn't be an issue just because they are playing today. Score 2 - 3 goals and make some early subs (Iniesta specifically). Paulinho hasn't been playing much, so I think he needs to start because he can start losing game rhythm.
So exactly as I predicted except for Iniesta starting even though Coutinho cannot play a minute vs Chelsea. Mats Roberto Pique umtiti Alba Paulinho Raki Busi Iniesta Messi Suarez
I am OK with it, at some point maybe the starting 11 may forget how to play with each other . Specially because we are on 2 consecutive draws. Next game is Girona at home so maybe rotate there.
Oooo my god! Open goal chance wasted. Looks like to be a matter of stamina this match. Eibar wants to score first and then sit back and counter. If Barca don't concede then Eibar will tire..