Barcelona is getting ready for one of the toughest week. They have to play two quality opponents in a matter of three days. First up will be Espanyol derby when they visit Nou Camp. Barcelona fans and players does not have happy memories of the last time visit of Espanyol, where the last gasp equaliser finished off Barcelona’s La Liga title dreams. This match also serves as an indicator for
Barcelona's chances in the Champions League clash with Manchester United.
Barcelona has to win this game well to get into the right frame of mind to receive
Ferguson's boys on Wednesday.
Rijkaard will be pleased with the fact that he will have a mostly fully fit squad to choose from. Deco has returned from injury and if reports coming are true then he is the most keenest to get back his place. Messi looked good last week even though his finishing and final ball looked doubtful, but with this game he should hit the peak. we cannot afford him to take too many matches to hit the peak. Eto looked like returning back to form; Iniesta, Henry and Marquez all returned back to normal training.
How Rijkaard form the core is very much important. Gudjonsen and Ezquerra looked good in last match and should be given another chance to start with. Ezquerra, unfortunately looks like the least to make in to the team. Mostly he will be replaced by Bojan. But the major question on all Barcelona supporters’ lips will be "Will Messi start the Game?" From a La Liga perspective, Barcelona has to win this game to put some pressure on Madrid. Will putting any pressure on Madrid is useful? I don't know. But the biggest trouble for Rijkaard will be the defense, they looked like too much confused. In my last article I have pointed out the problem with the defense. If they can correct it, it would be easy for them to see off Espanyol. Barcelona has been training at El Montaya instead of La Masia. The last time they did that, it was followed by a victory against Zaragoza.