Thought we could begin/move the Valencia game discussion in here. no Cocu, no Motta (although FCB is appealing the redcards). Facing arguably the best defense in the league, and the bext keeper, this should be a tough match to get out of our goal scoring slump
The biggest problem is going to be through the midfield. Baraja-Albelda have to be one of the strongest pairing in Spain if not all of Europe. If Aimar plays it will just add to that. Fortunately their strikers are pretty bad (and you thought having Kluivert was bad, take a look at Valencia's strike force). I'm not sure how Rikjaard will line up Puyol but I would put him on the right to try and nulify Vicente (who gave an in-form Salgado fits last week). If Puyol can do that and Aimar doesn't play then I think Barça will be in pretty good shape. Now to score against their defense when practically our only threat is Ronaldinho is another story.
Juanele good points. On a postive note for barca. Rijkaard said the team had fun playing club america in mexico (although they lost). He used the trident and it was pretty effective. The thing that saved america was the outstanding play of their keeper. so anyway it looks like the trident is starting to gell. Do you think hé´ll use it again againts Valencia?
Force Valencia to defend..which means Saviola + Kluivert + RonaldHero. Puyol I rate as being better than Salgado anyway. But hopefully Puyol isn't exhausted by all the non-stop play. This is a big early match for Barca. Thank God its in the Nou Camp. 9 points after 5 matches. Xavi and Gerard have to play like their are fit to wear the shirt Saturday (it is on Saturday right?). Who else do we believe will be in the starting XI?
This is wahat I posted inteh other forum. Puyol can mark out one of the strikers, too bad we do not have Motta. ````````Valdes Puyol ```marquez ```reiz or GvB `````` gerard quaresma ````LE21```overmars ```````Gaucho `````PK9 ```````Saviola
The game is on Sunday, 3:30 Eastern. Looks like Xavi, Overmars and maybe even Quaresma might get a game this weekend. Valencia looked really impressive last week. However, they will have to win at Camp Nou, which won't be easy. If Barça can keep some the momentum on their side, they will be all right. Real got into trouble too early by giving one up in the 4th minute. Plus, their defense sucks, which didn't help. If Barça want to win this weekend, they cannot squander chances.
3:30 EST following the Real Maputa game. From Fcbarcelona.com http://www.fcbarcelona.com/eng/noticias/noticias/n03100206.shtml "With Cocu and Motta both out of this weekend's clash, Rijkaard experimented with Xavi and Iniesta in midfield, as well as trying out Luis Garcia and Quaresme out wide."
I read that earlier but didn't post it. I'm not sure if Iniesta is ready to go up against Baraja and Albeda, I think it'll be Gerard + Xavi or Gerard + Iniesta. Or even LE21 in the creative role. w/ the trident I'm more upset that I must now go to a Pub and run back and forth between Barca-Valencia and the Redskins vs Eagles...wth is East coast Redskins game at 4:15pm!!
Pretty offensive lineup Chris, I think FR will use a double pivot though, Gerard and Iniesta or Gerard and Xavi, I feel a vibe for Garcia this weekend, I think he should play on the left band and give MO some rest, however FR will use GvB as interior izquierdo, Marquez will play CB along Andersson IMHO so my eleven looks like this: Mowgli (do you guys remember Jungle Book?) Tarzan Marquez Andersson (or Reiz) O Lopez ---------Gerard------ Xavi (Iniesta)-------- Quaresma---------------- Garcia (or GvB) ------------------Gremlin -------------------Saviolita (or PK9 )
I think Mario has right about the playing system, 42211, playing with only 3 defenders is reasky agaist class team. But I think on the right will play LE21 and on the left MO11. Rijkaard will not experiment in such important match.
FYI You can follow the match online (Sorry, Spanish Speaking Only) from Ciberche. Go to the website, and where it says the upcoming match, tomorow, click on Follow The Match online. It will use your Media Player and you can listen in on your choice of either the Radio 9 feed, or the MegaRadio feed. Don't do it now though, wait until tomorow. They are playing bad spanish rock right now. CiberChe
La MegaRadio Ràdio 9 These links will open up in the Media Player that you use on the computer. Wait for a bit, then you should hear the feed. Around the time the game starts, listen in. Yet another reason for you Non-Spanish speaking Barca fans to learn Castellano.
I listened. I didn't start the feed till after Olivera's goal. I need info, how did Barca play? How did Olivera score? Were we dangerous offensively, It sounded like we did, but we kept missing easy chances.