FC Barcelona would be hoping to extend their four match victory run against Shaktar Donetsk at RSC Olympisykiy. With two poor last seasons and a poor start to this season; nobody would have guessed that Barca would be able to wound up four wins in a trot. Now they have a oppurtunity to make it five in a trot which would really ignite their confidence against the Athletico Madrid match at Camp Nou. Shaktar would not be a easy opponent to play away from home; but still FC Barcelona can be expected to see past this Ukranian challenge with ease. Shaktar lies equalled with Barca in points and it is theright moment for FC Barcelona to move forward ahead of others in the group. FC Barcelona's last match agaisnt Shaktar resulted in a 2-0 loss away from home. Guardiola has announced a 19 man squad consisting of Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Pique, Marquez, Caceres, Abidal, Toure, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Pedro, Eto'o, Bojan, Henry. But guessing the starting eleven has become pretty difficult with Guardiola in charge and the only sureity is Victor Valdes. We can expect Marquez, Puyol, Alves and Abidal to start in the defense. Toure and Busquests along with Xavi should make the midfield. Iniesta, Eto and Messi should make up the front three. But there are some rumours of Guardiola resting Messi and Iniesta. I would advice him not to do that as this is a very tough away game. Secondly Messi have started to look getting in to the groove and a rest now might hamper it. A rest to Iniesta would be a good option; may be to Xavi also but without Xavi or Iniesta who will drive the midfield is a big question. Busquests, keita and Toure are all defensive minded players and that leaves Gudjonsen to organise the midfield. So resting Xavi would be out of question.
